Articles tagged with Mars
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.
A new study uses computer models to simulate debris movement and recreate the puzzling patterns of grooves seen on Phobos. The model suggests that boulders blasted free from an ancient asteroid impact created the distinctive feature.
New research found that overflowing crater lakes on Mars carved canyons rapidly, possibly in weeks, using high-resolution satellite images. This process likely played a major role in shaping Mars' surface without plate tectonics.
Recent rainfall in the Atacama Desert has caused widespread devastation among local microbial species, with 85% extinction rate reported. This study provides crucial information for understanding the microbiology of extremely arid environments and its implications for the search for life on Mars.
Researchers transformed a Martian sunrise photo into a two-minute piece of music, with quiet harmonies and brighter sounds created by the sun disk. The work showcases image sonification's potential in analyzing planet surfaces and atmospheres, as well as health science applications.
Researchers identified four units with different deposition types, including conglomerates and ridges formed by moving water. The Martian deposits are similar to those found in Earth's Channelized Scablands and suggest large-scale global ice and dramatic outburst floods.
Scientists analyzed three Martian meteorites to find electrochemical reactions between briny liquids and volcanic minerals created the organic carbon. This process has implications for understanding habitability and could occur elsewhere in the solar system.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that cocoa flavanols, especially (−)-epicatechin, improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure. Flavanol-only groups experienced all benefits, while procyanidin-enriched extracts showed reduced cholesterol without improvements in vascular effects.
Astrophysicists estimate that Centaurs will have close encounters and impacts with terrestrial planets, potentially producing catastrophic events. The researchers found that half of the Centaurs can enter the terrestrial planet region, and about 7% can interact with them.
Researchers at UCF developed a scientifically based method for creating Martian and asteroid soil simulants. The team published their findings in the journal Icarus and is now selling the simulant, which can be used for experiments on Earth.
Researchers at MIT have developed a software tool that automatically generates maps of favorable landing sites on Mars, taking into account scientific priorities and engineering constraints. The program uses fuzzy logic to deal with imprecision in the data and can explore different landing and exploratory scenarios.
Researchers found that installing small hexagonal structures called 'spiders' across 5 acres of reef increased live coral cover from less than 10% to over 60%. This cost-effective method has the potential to inform other large-scale coral reef restoration efforts.
The presence of methane on Mars presents novel challenges to explain its formation and implications for potential life on the planet. Researchers recommend further studies to clarify geochemical processes and sources of methane.
A new study reveals that ancient Mars likely had an ample supply of chemical energy for microbes to thrive underground. The researchers estimate that hydrogen concentrations in the crust around 4 billion years ago would have been sufficient to support microbial life.
A University of Manchester PhD student has developed a flexible heat shield that utilizes centrifugal forces to stiffen lightweight materials, reducing the need for heavy machinery and enabling low-cost scientific research and recovery of rocket parts. The prototype's design uses aerodynamic drag to slow down during atmospheric entry, ...
A 20-kilometer-wide lake of liquid water has been detected beneath Mars' southern ice cap using the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding instrument. The presence of dissolved salts could lower the melting point, allowing the lake to remain liquid
Scientists have discovered that Mars' massive dust storms originate from a single geological formation near the equator. This vast deposit, called the Medusae Fossae Formation, has been eroding over time and polluting the planet with fine, powdery dust particles.
The MAVEN spacecraft has found a new type of Martian aurora that occurs over much of the day side, where auroras are hard to see. Protons 'steal' electrons from Mars' outer atmosphere, creating ultraviolet light and depositing energy.
The Black Beauty meteorite contains rare zircon with high hafnium levels, providing a temporal framework for Martian crust formation. This study suggests that Mars had a solid crust within 20 million years of solar system formation, potentially hosting oceans and life.
A recent study suggests that Mars' river networks were shaped by superficial run-off of rainwater, contradicting previous hypotheses about groundwater seepage. The researchers found similarities in the branching angles of Martian valleys with those in arid landscapes on Earth.
A massive Martian dust storm has engulfed the planet, prompting NASA's Opportunity rover to suspend science operations. However, Curiosity remains largely unaffected due to its nuclear-powered battery. The storm has grown to a 'planet-encircling' size, with atmospheric haze blocking sunlight at Gale Crater.
Researchers used Mars-inspired tools to map the Himalayas, revealing details about rock types and fault systems. The study used thermal infrared spectrum analysis to create colorful images of different rock types, providing new insights into the region's geology.
The discovery of ancient organic molecules in Martian sedimentary rocks increases the chances of finding evidence of habitability and potential life on Mars. The findings suggest that NASA's Curiosity rover may have discovered record-breaking amounts of organic carbon, comparable to those found in meteoritic samples.
New research published in Icarus suggests Mars had a cold and icy ancient climate, with evidence of volcanism interacting with ice sheets. The findings identify three distinct mineral combinations associated with glaciers, providing insight into the planet's past.
The Curiosity rover has discovered a seasonal cycle in Martian methane levels, suggesting it may be trapped in water-based crystals. Additionally, the rover has detected ancient organic matter, including thiophene and methanethiol, which are reminiscent of Earth's organic-rich sedimentary rock.
A new data-mining technique developed by Carnegie's Shaunna Morrison improves the understanding of Mars' geologic history and habitability. By analyzing mineral compositions and unit cell dimensions, scientists gained a more detailed picture of Martian minerals, including their origins and alteration processes.
Researchers suggest iron-rich rocks near ancient lake sites on Mars could hold clues to past life, with sedimentary rocks rich in iron and silica being the most promising candidates for fossil preservation. This study aims to aid NASA's next rover mission by identifying the best places to search for evidence of ancient life.
A team of astronauts working together for months in a confined space will be critical to Mars mission success. The psychology of teamwork is crucial, with characteristics such as emotional stability, agreeability, and resilience being key factors.
Researchers found traces of fatty acids in Dorset's acidic streams, mimicking conditions on Mars billions of years ago. They believe these findings could indicate nearly 12,000 pools of organic matter on Mars that represent past life.
A University of Oklahoma astrophysics team discovered that the growth of Mars was halted by an orbital instability among the outer solar system's giant planets. The study used computer simulations to show how this instability, linked to the Nice Model, prevented Mars from becoming a larger, habitable planet like Earth.
A recent study suggests that early Mars was modestly warm and prone to rain, with only small patches of ice. The research challenges the long-held idea of an icy climate on Mars.
Researchers found a single species of bacteria in Laguna Caliente lake water, a toxic environment that resembles ancient Mars hot springs. This discovery may help scientists searching for signs of life on Mars.
A University of Cincinnati geology student, Andrew Gangidine, is developing a marker for ancient bacterial life on Mars to aid NASA's search. He's studying microbial life in silica hot springs at Yellowstone National Park to create a useful indicator of life on the red planet.
A machine learning approach developed for Mars feature mapping has been adapted to assess the effect of treatments on tumors. The technique provides a four-fold increase in precision and enables researchers to present findings with confidence.
A new study confirms desiccation cracks on Mars provide evidence of drying, revealing the shape of water on the red planet. The research sheds light on Mars' ancient climate and provides context to its lacustrine system.
A new model predicts that the Martian moons Phobos and Deimos were formed from debris left over after a large impact between proto-Mars and a dwarf-planet-sized object. The model suggests that the moons' compositions will be similar to Mars, but they are expected to be dry due to lost water vapor.
Elon Musk presents an updated design for the Big Falcon Rocket, a powerful rocket intended to propel a space vehicle to the International Space Station and beyond. The BFR's updated design includes a huge carbon fiber tank and new fueling system to lower costs and achieve rendezvous and docking.
A new scenario proposes that Mars' oceans formed several hundred million years earlier than previously thought, linking their existence to the rise of the solar system's largest volcanic system, Tharsis. The model suggests that global warming and volcanic eruptions played a key role in allowing liquid water to exist on Mars.
Researchers have discovered that specialized bacteria can live in the soil of the Atacama Desert, going dormant for decades without water before reactivating and reproducing when it rains. This finding suggests that life could be lurking on Mars, where similar conditions exist.
Researchers are using a $349,520 grant to analyze fragments of the Tissint meteorite from a Martian volcano, shedding light on the red planet's geological history and potential signs of life.
The James Webb Space Telescope will study Mars' transition from wet to dry, revealing clues about the planet's past and present habitability. The telescope will also analyze the abundance of water and methane in the Martian atmosphere, shedding light on the origin of these gases.
NASA is developing a planetary wind lidar called MARLI, which will provide detailed information on winds on Mars and Titan. The instrument will use laser pulses and detect returning backscatter signals to measure wind velocities and aerosol distribution.
Recent publications by Dr. Joseph Michalski and colleagues cast doubt on the idea of surface life evolving on Mars due to extremely cold and dry climate conditions. However, they suggest subsurface life is a promising option, focusing exploration on hydrothermal deposits.
The ExoMars joint space mission involves two phases, the first launched in 2016 with Schiaparelli lander and Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), while the second phase is scheduled for 2020 with a new lander and rover.
Researchers from McGill University develop a miniature life detection platform to identify and analyze microorganisms in extreme environments, providing proof-of-concept for direct life detection on Mars and other planets. The technique has potential applications on Earth, including detecting pathogens during epidemics in remote areas.
Researchers develop a modular 'life detection platform' to directly detect and characterize microorganisms in extreme environments. The platform uses existing low-cost technology in new ways, enabling real-time analysis of microbial ecology and DNA sequencing.
A study published in Physical Review E suggests that Martian winds were capable of digging up tens of thousands of cubic kilometers of sediment from the Gale Crater over a billion years. The wind-driven movement of sediment and dust is thought to have played a key role in shaping the Martian landscape.
Scientists have identified eight locations on Mars with significant water ice deposits, providing insights into the planet's climate history and habitability. The ice is found to be cohesive and strong, with distinct layers that could help understand changes in Mars' climate over time.
A recent study published in Nature found that Mars' surface water was absorbed by its crust over time, leaving the planet essentially dry. The research suggests that approximately 300 meters of surface water on Mars could have been locked up in microscopic mineral structures.
Scientists propose that Martian surface reacted with water and then absorbed it, increasing rock oxidation. The planet's composition, temperature profile and iron content made the surface prone to reaction, dragging water down into the mantle.
The MAVEN mission helps answer the question of how long a rocky planet might be habitable by orbiting a red dwarf star. Based on Mars' atmospheric loss data, researchers estimated that such a planet's atmosphere could lose charged particles and neutral particles at significantly higher rates.
Researchers found that Mars' atmosphere is well-protected from the solar wind due to its induced magnetosphere. The study, led by Robin Ramstad, suggests that only a small portion of atmospheric pressure was lost over 3.9 billion years, contradicting previous assumptions.
The US space exploration program should focus on robotic sample recovery and human missions to Mars, according to Scott Hubbard, Editor-in-Chief of New Space. He highlights the benefits of this strategy, including offsetting costs through international partnerships.
Researchers propose a new scenario for ancient clay mineral formation on Mars, suggesting clays formed during the planet's creation from molten magma. The steamy atmosphere created by the magma ocean could have converted vast swaths of the surface to clay, leading to the widespread distribution seen today.
A team of scientists from MSU developed a compact spectral polarimeter for studying the surface composition of astronomical bodies. The device operates in the near-infrared range and was tested on two minerals simulating lunar and Martian surfaces.
A new study explores the impact of ice on Martian landslides, finding similarities with Earth's ice-lubricated landslides and demonstrating how ice influences shape and velocity. The research uses glacial morphology and remote sensing measurements to model landslide dynamics.
New research identifies Recurring Slope Lineae on Mars as granular flows, not liquid water, indicating present-day Mars may lack significant liquid water. The study supports the hypothesis that Mars is dry and limits Earth-like life near its surface.
A new University of Washington study reveals that Don Juan Pond in Antarctica is fed by a regional deep groundwater system, not from moisture seeping down from local valley slopes. This finding has significant implications for understanding the formation of similar environments on Mars.
Researchers found permanent effects on human brain structure due to microgravity, including crowding and narrowing of the brain's central sulcus. The study aimed to understand the causes of VIIP syndrome, a condition affecting astronauts' vision and intracranial pressure.
NASA engineer Justin Jones used an industrial X-ray CT scanner to evaluate volcanic rocks and other specimens, revealing previously undetected minerals and 3D arrangements. The technology has potential applications in planetary exploration, including the analysis of samples from Mars and asteroids.
Researchers found that CO2 sublimation can create unique features on Mars, such as Sand Furrows and linear gullies. These processes are unlike anything seen on Earth and provide new insights into Martian geomorphology.