Articles tagged with Planet Earth
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.
Cornell University astronomers created five models representing key points in Earth's evolution to aid the search for exo-Earths. These templates enable the identification of potential biospheres on distant planets with characteristics similar to our own, using powerful telescopes like NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.
A new monograph published in PhytoKeys reveals details about the 425 New World species in the largest genus of morning glories, including six new species and nine new subspecies. The study found that most plants originated from two large centers: South America and the Caribbean Islands.
Scientists at Rutgers University have discovered the protein structures responsible for early life on Earth, including ferredoxin and Rossmann folds. These ancient proteins were crucial for metabolism and chemical signals, paving the way for life to emerge.
New studies propose that Earth's mantle, rather than its core, was responsible for generating the planet's early magnetic field. This concept is supported by estimates of thermodynamics of magnetic field generation within the liquid portion of the early Earth's mantle.
A Rutgers University study predicts that heat stress from extreme heat and humidity will affect areas home to 1.2 billion people annually by 2100, with four times more people affected than today. The research highlights the dangers of combined extremes of heat and humidity on human health, agriculture, and the economy.
Scientists from the University of Cologne found that water, carbon, and nitrogen were delivered to Earth very late in its history, contradicting previous assumptions. The researchers used rare platinum metal isotope abundances to constrain the delivery time, suggesting a late veneer phase around 3.8 billion years ago.
Researchers found varying oxygen isotopic composition depending on lunar rock types, suggesting minimal mixing between the Moon and vapor atmosphere. The data imply Theia formed farther from the Sun than Earth.
Researchers at Kennedy Space Center successfully grew red romaine lettuce in space onboard the International Space Station, demonstrating its safety and nutritional value. The study found that space-grown lettuce was similar to Earth-grown controls in terms of composition but showed increased levels of certain nutrients and antioxidants.
Researchers propose that rocks colliding inside a fault zone during an earthquake produce high-frequency vibrations, which could help explain puzzling seismic patterns and predict quake damage. The new explanation suggests smoother faults with rounded internal structures may produce less damaging quakes.
Researchers discovered that the ratio of oxygen isotopes in ancient ocean rocks suggests a global ocean covered most of the planet's surface at that time. This finding could help scientists understand how single-cell organisms first emerged on Earth.
Computational simulations show that azotosomes, a proposed alternative to cell membranes, cannot form under Titan's extreme conditions. This challenges the possibility of life on Saturn's largest moon, which has liquid methane and ethane lakes and seas.
A new machine-learning computer model accurately predicts damaging radiation storms caused by the Van Allen belts two days prior to the storm. The PreMevE 2.0 model improves forecasts by incorporating upstream solar wind speeds and can be applied to predict more energetic electrons.
The SEIS seismometer has measured over 174 probable 'Mars quakes', providing valuable data on the planet's composition. The analysis indicates a layer of rock 10 kilometres thick, with waves spreading at relatively slow speeds, suggesting fissured or chemically altered rock.
Astronomers at the University of Cambridge discovered a potentially habitable exoplanet, K2-18b, which is 2.6 times the radius and 8.6 times the mass of Earth. The planet's hydrogen-rich atmosphere may allow for liquid water to exist beneath its surface.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a method for synthesizing pure diamonds from hydrogen and carbon molecules found in crude oil and natural gas. The process uses high pressure and surprisingly little heat, producing tiny specks of diamond in the lab.
Researchers analyzed Marsquakes from InSight mission, finding moderate seismic activity intermediate between Earth and the Moon. The data revealed geological layers within the planet and identified areas of high geological activity, guiding future missions searching for potential life.
A study found that gray whales are 4.3 times more likely to strand during solar storms due to radio frequency noise disrupting their navigational sense. Researchers believe the noise overwhelms the whales' senses, preventing them from navigating altogether.
The NASA InSight lander has recorded over 450 marsquakes on Mars, providing insights into the planet's internal structure and tectonic activity. The data reveals a stronger attenuation in the upper mantle compared to the lower mantle, indicating a more fractured crust.
A new algorithm can detect changes in gravity caused by earthquakes, potentially leading to earlier warnings and more accurate predictions. The signal is generated by the sudden shift in the earth's internal mass during an earthquake, and its detection could help identify strong earthquakes that may trigger tsunamis.
Researchers found that the proto-Earth formed within five million years, challenging the idea of slow and random collisions between objects. The study's findings support an alternative theory on planet formation through cosmic dust accretion, which may lead to faster formation of other planets.
Researchers develop framework to consider asteroid mass, momentum, and warning time to determine most successful deflection mission. The method could be used to design optimal mission configuration and campaign to deflect potentially hazardous near-Earth asteroids.
A team of researchers studied microbial communities in the Cuatro Cienegas Basin, a nutrient-poor ecosystem that may resemble early Earth and past Martian wetlands. They found that organisms in these environments have evolved to process biochemical information efficiently, with species adapted to low-resource strategies dominating nutr...
The James Webb Space Telescope and other observatories will study the atmospheres of nearby, Earth-like exoplanets for signs of life. These exoplanets are thought to have reservoirs of compounds that could replenish their atmospheres.
The Breakthrough Listen Initiative has released nearly 2 petabytes of data from the most comprehensive survey yet of radio emissions from the Milky Way Galaxy and its central black hole. A new analysis of nearby stars that could see Earth transiting the sun was conducted, but no technosignatures were found.
Astronomers led by Penn State graduate student Sofia Sheikh conducted a massive survey of radio emissions from 20 nearby stars, looking for technological signatures of extraterrestrial civilizations. Despite finding no technosignatures, the analysis sets rigorous limits on the presence of advanced civilizations in our galaxy.
Scientists found that periodic changes in Earth's orbit and volcanic activity controlled the global carbon cycle during ancient mass extinctions. The study suggests that solar system processes had a significant impact on climate and environmental change over 200 million years ago.
New research at CCNY suggests that carbon gases released by ancient volcanoes do not match geochemical clues of past mass extinctions, implying an unknown factor drove these events. The study provides insights into Earth's climate and how volcanic CO2 release affects the planet.
Astronomers will use transmission spectroscopy and phase curves to observe the atmospheres of seven rocky planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system. The goal is to determine if these planets have atmospheres and what they're made of, which could help find out if life as we know it could survive on these distant worlds.
A new study found that protecting large animals and plants can reduce wild animal biomass by 44% and soil fertility by 92%, highlighting their fundamental role in ecosystem integrity. Larger organisms transport nutrients, promoting productivity and ecological services.
Melodie French has earned a prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Award to support her research on the physics responsible for earthquakes. The grant will enable her lab to study rocks exhumed from subduction zones, characterizing the strength of rocks deep underground where plates meet.
A new study by the University of Warwick and British Antarctic Survey analyzed magnetic field records to detect super-storms over the last 150 years. The analysis shows that 'severe' magnetic storms occurred in 42 out of 150 years, and 'great' super-storms occurred in 6 years out of 150.
A University of Washington team found that micrometeorites reacted with high levels of carbon dioxide on their journey to Earth, contradicting theories and evidence suggesting a nearly oxygen-free atmosphere. The study sheds light on the history of our planet's early days and could inform the search for life on other planets.
Researchers in the Borexino collaboration have extracted a signal of geoneutrinos coming from the Earth's mantle with improved statistical significance. The results provide lower limits for uranium and thorium abundances in the Earth's mantle, indicating radioactive decay processes generate more than half of the Earth's internal heat.
A new study suggests that Mars' ancient waters were characterized by high salinity and a neutral pH, creating an environment potentially suitable for microbial life. The research found evidence of hyposaline lakes on early Mars, which could have supported life forms similar to those found on Earth.
Researchers at Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) discovered a way to produce enough food for up to 10 billion people without compromising the Earth system. The study suggests that adopting more sustainable forms of agriculture can increase production in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and improve climate resilience.
Scientists have discovered evidence that the magnetic field forming around Earth was even stronger 4 billion years ago, generating a protective shield from harmful solar wind and cosmic rays. This finding has implications for understanding the future sustainability of Earth's magnetic shield and its potential for supporting life.
Researchers discovered evidence of a strong early magnetic field in ancient minerals, dating back to 3.2-4.2 billion years ago. The study suggests that the magnetic field was relatively strong between 4.1 and 4 billion years ago, likely powered by an internal geodynamo.
Researchers analyze cyclical changes in light spectrum emitted by Proxima Centauri and suggest the presence of a second planet. The candidate planet orbits every 5.2 years and may be a 'super-Earth', challenging current models of low-mass planet formation.
Astronomers have pinpointed an early galactic merger that helped shape the Milky Way, occurring 11.5 billion years ago when Gaia-Enceladus slammed into what then existed of the galaxy. This discovery provides important insights into the accretion process that formed the Milky Way.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a way to make four-satellite constellations possible, enabling advances in telecommunication, navigation, and remote sensing. The new design harnesses energy from gravitational and solar radiation forces, reducing propellant needs and extending lifespan.
The NEID instrument has made its first observations, detecting the subtle effect of exoplanets on their parent stars. With a precision three times better than previous instruments, NEID aims to determine the masses of exoplanets as small as Earth and characterize their atmospheres.
NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has discovered its first Earth-size planet in its star's habitable zone, TOI 700 d. The planet orbits a small, cool M dwarf star located just over 100 light-years away and is thought to be rocky with surface temperatures suitable for liquid water.
A team of international scientists has localized a repeating fast radio burst to a region approximately seven light years across, shedding new light on the mystery surrounding its origins.
A study investigated eye changes in astronauts during long space missions and those experiencing simulated weightlessness from 30 days of bed rest. The results showed similarities between the two conditions, providing new insights into spaceflight's effects on vision.
Researchers from OU and international partners analyzed ancient dust in rocks to understand the role of atmospheric dust on marine ecosystems 300 million years ago. They found that this ancient dust was much dustier than today, with twice as much bioavailable iron, leading to a massive surge in marine photosynthesizers.
Scientists at Rice University have developed new methods to characterize the influence of turbulence on space weather. They discovered that bursty bulk flows cause big ripples in plasma, leading to oscillations called buoyancy waves. These waves play a role in the formation of auroral structures and magnetospheric substorms.
Researchers at Rice University discovered that a specific grain size can control the movement of silt and sand in rivers, with no correlation to water speed. This finding has significant implications for understanding sediment transport and its impact on coastlines and deltas.
Researchers discovered a hotspot in Earth's radiation belt where killer electrons form, which can cause serious anomalies in satellites. The finding improves the accuracy of forecasting when these high-speed electrons will form, potentially impacting space weather science.
An independent group of international experts concludes that transformative action is needed to address the unprecedented impact of human activities on life on Earth. The study highlights the need for a system-wide reorganization across technological, economic, and social factors to achieve sustainability.
Researchers used MAVEN data to map global circulation of Mars' upper atmosphere, providing insights into the planet's climate stability and atmospheric waves. The study reveals simpler circulation patterns than Earth's, with stable winds over Martian seasons.
Researchers successfully collect wind data on Mars, revealing circulation patterns that bear the signature of mountains and valleys hundreds of kilometers below. The study's findings provide valuable insights into Martian climate and potentially inform studies on Earth's upper atmosphere.
The Parker Solar Probe has returned significant data on the Sun's atmosphere, revealing insights into the solar wind and its effects on space weather. The probe's findings have shed light on magnetic disturbances in the solar wind and the processes that heat the Sun's outer atmosphere.
Fossilized seashells from Antarctica reveal that the Earth's oceans were undergoing significant changes in response to increased carbon dioxide from volcanic eruptions. These findings provide new insights into the causes of the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction event, which led to the demise of the dinosaurs.
Researchers have discovered a new model explaining why our planet has a higher concentration of stardust from red giant stars compared to other bodies in the solar system. The study, published in Nature Astronomy, suggests that the Earth's unique mix of elements was formed during its formation around the Sun.
Scientists have identified a previously unquantified threat to global food production: systematic meanders in the northern jet stream that cause simultaneous crop-damaging heat waves in widely separated regions. These events can lead to reduced harvests, food-price spikes and kill crops, especially in breadbasket regions.
A new study using satellite data from the European Space Agency has provided unprecedented insights into the deep structure of Antarctica. The researchers used special gradient data to analyze the lithosphere, which consists of the crust and the earth's upper mantle below the frozen continent.
A floating array of sensors in the Pacific Ocean will provide a comprehensive view of Earth's interior, offering insights into buoyancy, viscosity, density, and temperature of the deep mantel plume. The array will help scientists understand the plate-tectonic cycle that gives us energy and reveals the potential barriers for material fl...
The Parker Solar Probe has discovered new evidence on how the solar wind is accelerated away from the Sun's surface, finding that bursty 'spikes' originate in holes near the equator and are generated by magnetic reconnection. The probe also measured a sideways speed of the solar wind, which contradicts previous predictions.
A new study reveals the Arctic has warmed by 0.75 degrees C in the last decade alone, with potential consequences including up to 7 degrees C warming for the Arctic and increased risk of extreme weather. The authors emphasize the need for near-term measures to reduce carbon emissions to slow high latitude warming.
Researchers improved a computer program to simulate photon behavior in intergalactic space. They found that particles flying to Earth are deflected by magnetic fields or interact with hydrogen plasma, preventing them from reaching their destination.