Articles tagged with Isotopes
A study suggests that ancient Teotihuacan residents bred and managed rabbits and hares for their diet, which includes human-farmed crops. This finding indicates small mammal husbandry in Mesoamerica.
Experimentalists discovered calcium-52 had a large charge radius, challenging its status as a magic nucleus. Theoretical research using Titan supercomputer confirmed the trend without kink in charge radius graph, but even advanced models couldn't perfectly match experimental data.
A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that a combination of volcanic eruptions and an asteroid impact led to the mass extinction of dinosaurs. The research, conducted by University of Florida geochemist Andrea Dutton, used a novel technique called clumped isotope paleothermometry to analyze ancient ocean temperatures.
Researchers have found that measuring copper and zinc concentrations in blood and tissue may allow for early diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The study, presented at the Goldschmidt conference, showed significant changes in these elements prior to symptom onset.
A team of researchers found material dating back to shortly after Earth's formation in rock formations from Baffin Island and the Ontong-Java Plateau. The discovery sheds light on the planet's internal dynamics over its last 4.5 billion years, providing new insights into the chemistry and processes that shaped our planet.
Researchers discovered an insulating layer of air that forms near the surface during winter, reducing evaporation and precipitation on the ice sheet. This phenomenon explains why temperature has risen without increased precipitation on the central parts of the Greenland ice sheet.
Scientists have discovered a nearby supernova's ash continuing to fall on Earth, with rare iron-60 isotope detected in cosmic rays. The findings suggest another supernova occurred near the previous one, contributing to the ongoing acceleration of these nuclei.
New research uses iron-60 isotopes to prove ancient supernovae buffeted Earth, dating events between 1.7 million and 8.7 million years ago. Scientists estimate potential effects on human evolution and search for signs of impact on the planet.
Researchers study coastal uplift and erosion in Northern California, discovering rivers cut down hillslopes, triggering landslides that balance uplift. Landslides also deliver resistant rocks to rivers, delaying erosion, with implications for landscape evolution and hazards like landslides.
Researchers used stable isotope and genetic analysis to determine the summering grounds of bats killed by wind turbines in the Appalachian region. The study found that intensive wind-energy development may affect bat species differently, with some populations better able to absorb turbine-related deaths.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences confirmed that the ocean played a significant role in the rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide during the last deglaciation. The researchers found that during this period, there were rapid releases of carbon from land sources such as plants and soils, contributing t...
Researchers use stable hydrogen isotope signatures to determine the origin and time of arrival for invasive Japanese beetles. The technique helps answer questions about control efforts and informs management decisions.
Researchers at Indiana University and Virginia Tech develop a method to assess the validity of the principle of detailed balance, widely used in models for environmental projects. The study confirms that the principle applies in systems where rates of forward and reverse processes are balanced.
Researchers from Spain and Italy have identified the source of ancient Roman marble using microscopic and geochemical techniques. The study found that the marble came from quarries in Turkey and Greece, with variations in crystal size, manganese content, and isotopes providing key clues.
A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed the oxygen, strontium, and carbon isotope ratios in 105 Roman skeletons to determine their geographical origin and diet. The researchers found evidence of migrants from North Africa and the Alps, mostly children and men, whose diets likely changed significantly upon arrival.
Researchers propose a new conceptual model for monogenetic eruptions, suggesting seismic crises occur before eruption and magmatic intrusions play a key role. This framework could improve forecasting of these events in populated areas, reducing economic and societal impact.
A Neolithic Spanish burial site reveals a closely related local community from 6000 years ago, with at least 47 adults and adolescents buried in a megalithic tomb. The analysis suggests that the individuals farmed cereal crops and had family members buried side-by-side, indicating significant shifts in social identity.
A new study reveals that soil deposits can provide a rich source of data for paleoclimatologists, providing a time resolution of thousand-year intervals and offering insights into past climate conditions. The analysis of carbonate deposits revealed a shift in precipitation patterns in North America between 70,000 to 55,000 years ago.
Two deep ice cores from Dome Fuji and EPICA Dome C were synchronized using volcanic events, revealing age differences of up to 4.5 kyr between the cores during Marine Isotope Stage 5 (80-130 kya). The study improves our understanding of climate stages and their temporal propagation in Antarctica.
A new study reveals that hepcidin, a protein regulating iron absorption, can inhibit the body's ability to absorb iron supplements in quantities necessary and desirable. The researchers suggest waiting longer between doses may improve iron absorption efficiency and reduce side effects.
Researchers found evidence of significant natural climate change in ancient Morocco that led to the introduction of early agriculture. The study, published by UC geologist Yurena Yanes, analyzed oxygen isotope samples from snail shells and found a clear link between climate change and the shift from hunting to farming.
Researchers used America's most powerful supercomputer, Titan, to compute the neutron distribution of calcium-48, finding a smaller difference between neutron and proton distributions. This calculation impacts the size of neutron stars, connecting objects with a 18-order magnitude size difference.
A mathematical analytical tool developed by University of Cincinnati scientists can predict strontium ratios in surface water, soil, vegetation, fish, and mammal skeletal tissues with high accuracy. The tool is most successful when applied to mammals, making it a valuable tool for ecological and paleoecological research.
A study by UC San Diego biologists found that black bears in Yosemite National Park primarily forage on plants and nuts, with acorns and pine nuts being their main food sources. The research also suggests that female bears tend to forage more heavily for high-fat seeds during reproduction.
A new test for liver cancer is being developed based on analyzing the stable isotope compositions of rocks and minerals. The researchers found that patients with HCC have enriched quantities of certain isotopes, such as copper-63 and sulphur-32, in their blood compared to normal controls.
A new test measures changes in calcium isotope ratios to monitor bone diseases like osteoporosis and multiple myeloma. The test, validated on NASA space shuttle astronauts' blood samples, shows promise for near-time monitoring of bone health.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals that half of the iron in banded iron formations originated from ancient bacteria metabolizing iron two and a half billion years ago. The findings provide new insights into the evolution of our planet and the origins of life, with significant implications for fields like mining and astrobiology.
The Bronze Age Egtved Girl's strontium isotope signatures indicate she was born and raised outside Denmark's current borders. Her clothing, blanket, and oxhide come from the Schwarzwald region of South West Germany. This discovery confirms close relations between Denmark and Southern Germany in the Bronze Age.
Researchers develop new method to trace salmon migration and habitat use by analyzing ear bones for strontium signatures. This technique may aid conservation efforts for threatened salmon populations facing climate change, industrial development, and overfishing.
Researchers used chemical signatures on otoliths to track Alaska's Bristol Bay salmon, revealing birthplaces and life histories. The technique can help scientists understand freshwater habitats and conservation efforts for Chinook salmon populations.
The study reveals that similar isotopic signatures exist for many biological processes, including those difficult to observe with current tools. This finding could enable the assessment of ocean productivity using stable oxygen isotopes.
A team of scientists from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna developed a method to analyze horse tail hair to determine its ecological significance. By aligning hair segments to time using satellite information, they found that tail hair growth rates vary greatly between species and even within individuals.
A new study finds that photosynthesis imparts a distinct biosignature on oxygen molecules, allowing scientists to trace biological processes. This discovery has the potential to measure productivity in the open ocean and assess the health of oceans.
Researchers found that Victorian-era babies' nitrogen isotope levels could predict their likelihood of survival and potential health issues later in life. High levels were linked to malnutrition and stress, while low levels indicated breastfeeding and a healthy start.
Researchers at Arizona State University are working with the University of Tennessee's Anthropological Research Facility to analyze human remains using isotopic analysis. The team aims to determine a person's diet, birthplace, and travel history using oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, strontium, and lead isotopes.
An isotope study by North Carolina State University has found that some urban ant species have a taste for human food. The research analyzed over 100 ant samples to determine their diet composition, revealing that pavement ants on sidewalks and medians have high levels of carbon-13, indicating a diet rich in human food.
A study by UC quaternary paleoecologist Brooke Crowley uses strontium isotopes to track the mobility of lemurs and other subfossil mammals over the past 10,000 years. The research aims to shed light on the environmental consequences of forest loss and inform conservation efforts.
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in detecting methane using TILDAS, which provides details on the environment in which methane-producing microbes thrive and helps identify the temperature at which methane forms.
A new instrument can rapidly analyze samples to determine how methane was formed, differentiating between microbial and thermogenic origins. The technique uses isotope ratios to identify clumpiness in methane molecules, revealing slower rates of production for cow-gut methane.
Researchers have found combustion water in Salt Lake City's winter inversions, with cars and home heating being the largest sources. The study provides a new method for measuring greenhouse gas emissions and studying urban weather.
Researchers develop a new relationship between soil magnetic properties and precipitation, doubling the potential range of terrestrial paleoclimate applications. This improves understanding of hydrologic conditions in the deep past, leading to more accurate predictions of water availability and ecosystem stability in a warmer world.
Researchers aim to create a novel paleoaltimetry tool that accurately measures paleoelevation and surface uplift rates independent of atmospheric circulation. They will use cosmogenic nuclides to determine shifts in elevation of slowly eroding mountain landscapes.
Researchers analyzed mid-ocean ridge basalts to understand the uranium isotope cycle, revealing a 'fingerprint' of the element in oceanic crust. The study suggests that uranium has been transported from the surface to the deep mantle through subduction, providing insights into Earth's evolution over billions of years.
Scientists used magnesium isotopes to analyze the diet of living mammals in Gabon's equatorial forest. This method provides a strong basis for inferring the diet of extinct animals. The study's findings offer new insights into ancient ecosystems and interactions between organisms.
A new study of the ALH84001 Martian meteorite provides valuable insights into Mars' early climate and potential habitability. The analysis suggests that smaller seas existed on Mars billions of years ago, rather than vast oceans.
Researchers recreated isotopes formed when stars explode, shedding light on heavy element creation essential for life. This study helps map the pathway for creating life-supporting elements in the universe.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals buried as potential 'vampires' in 17th-18th century Poland were likely local residents. The research used radiogenic strontium isotope ratios to determine the origin of the individuals, and the results suggested a predominantly local population. This suggests that these burials may h...
A recent study suggests that most ammonium deposited over the open ocean comes from natural marine sources, not human activities. The research used rainwater samples and nitrogen isotopes to separate human-made and natural sources.
A recent study published in Geology reveals that harmonic tremor occurs within mountain glaciers and that individual icequakes can exhibit harmonic properties. This discovery suggests a complex network of fluid-induced fracture processes at the glacier base, which can lead to damaging floods in valleys below the glacier.
Researchers found evidence that the Zhada Basin in southwest Tibet lost 3,000 to 5,000 feet of elevation around 3-4 million years ago. This finding was confirmed using ancient snail shells and clumped isotope thermometry techniques.
A new study documents the warming of Greenland's large ice sheet at the end of the last ice age, resolving a long-standing paradox over when that warming occurred. The researchers used nitrogen isotope ratios to reconstruct air temperatures and found significant warming in response to increasing atmospheric CO2.
Researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute used new analytical techniques to reconstruct past temperatures in Greenland ice cores, contradicting a long-held assumption. By analyzing oxygen isotope O18 and nitrogen content, they found that central Greenland was warmer around 12,000 years ago compared to 15,000 years ago.
Researchers used clumped isotope thermometry to reconstruct the Zhada basin's paleo-elevation history, finding a significant drop of over 1 km in elevation between three and nine million years ago. This suggests that the modern high elevations were not recently developed but rather a continuation of higher elevations prior to the Indo-...
Researchers at Florida State University analyzed an ancient Martian meteorite to determine the Red Planet's climate history. The team found evidence of a dramatic climate shift dating back 4.4 billion years, suggesting Mars has been cold and dry for at least 1.7 billion years.
Researchers have discovered anomalous sulfur signals in Antarctic snow that provide insights into the Earth's atmosphere, past climate patterns, and potential future climate scenarios. The findings reveal a previously overlooked atmospheric chemistry process that should be included in climate models.
A University of Florida study found that trace amounts of lead in human teeth can provide clues about a person's geographic origin. The discovery could help law enforcement solve cold cases by focusing investigations on specific regions based on the type and amount of lead isotopes present.
A UC research study reveals that mammoths and mastodons were likely year-round residents of the Cincinnati region, with distinct diets and habitats. The findings suggest a greater understanding of these prehistoric creatures' behaviors, which could inform modern-day elephant conservation efforts.
Scientists have found that the largest source of iron in the North Atlantic comes from dust blowing in from the Sahara desert, but other sources such as sediments also play a significant role. This discovery has important implications for understanding the carbon cycle and past climate change.
A Caltech-led team has developed a new technique that can determine the temperature at which natural methane samples formed. This method uses clumped isotopes to provide an independent way to say the environment where methane was formed, helping to answer questions about its formation, storage, and chemical pathways.
Researchers find that the Earth's crust formed relatively slowly from 1.7 to 0.75 billion years ago, with little activity and stable environments, before speeding up, potentially inducing evolutionary changes. This discovery has implications for the interpretation of climate models.