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.
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.
Researchers studied Titan's energy budget over 14 years and found significant seasonal variations. The findings suggest the distance between the sun and Earth may play a role in Earth's energy balance.
Researchers have developed a new tool that can analyze 1.4 million genetic sequences simultaneously, allowing them to study species relationships on a larger scale than before. This technology has the potential to reconstruct how life has evolved over hundreds of millions of years and unlock secrets about the code of life.
Researchers at Université de Montrêl are working on a new way to measure the mechanics of the human eye to protect astronauts from adverse impacts of space travel on their vision. The team has developed a non-invasive technology that can identify astronauts at risk of developing ocular damage before they go into space.
The German Research Foundation funds a joint Collaborative Research Center between Freie Universität Berlin and Münster University to investigate the formation of terrestrial planets. The center aims to ascertain conditions necessary for life-sustaining planets like Earth and develop a comprehensive model by 2023.
New research suggests ancient microorganisms played a critical role in setting the stage for life on a dimly lit early Earth. These microbes transformed iron into rusty minerals without oxygen and served as a food source for other microbes, producing methane that warmed the planet's atmosphere.
Researchers used fiber-optic cables to create a seismic network that can detect earthquakes and map fault zones. The technique, known as Distributed Acoustic Sensing, uses laser light to measure strain in the cable, providing detailed images of the ocean floor.
New research suggests that ancient microbes played a crucial role in forming massive iron ore deposits and keeping the early atmosphere warm. The findings provide strong evidence for the 'faint-young-sun' paradox theory, which proposes that life emerged on Earth despite a less intense sun.
A study suggests that ancient rock structures on Earth may be mistaken for fossils, which could aid future Mars missions. Research by University of Edinburgh scientist Sean McMahon created synthetic iron-rich formations in the lab, mimicking those found on Mars.
A Chinese-led team of international scientists has discovered a massive stellar black hole with a mass 70 times greater than the Sun, located 15 thousand light-years from Earth. The discovery challenges current models of stellar evolution and forces theorists to re-examine how such massive black holes can form.
A new study suggests that extra-terrestrial impacts could have triggered the emergence of plate tectonics on early Earth. The research used modelling simulations and comparisons with lunar impact studies to reveal that massive impacts continued to shape the planet for hundreds of millions of years, potentially driving tectonic processes.
A French-Spanish team of scientists has confirmed the absence of microbial life in Dallol's multi-extreme ponds. The researchers used various methods to detect and classify microorganisms, including massive sequencing of genetic markers and chemical analysis.
A team of scientists has detected extremely energetic light particles from the violent death of a heavy star, shedding new light on gamma ray bursts. By measuring the distance and energy of these particles, researchers gained insights into the extreme physical processes involved in star deaths.
Researchers discovered the most energetic gamma-ray burst ever recorded, emitting 1 tera-electron-volt of energy. This breakthrough confirms theoretical predictions and opens new avenues for understanding these powerful cosmic events.
A new study models Earth's axis tilt and finds that 87% of exo-Earths in binary systems should have similar steady tilts, favoring climate stability for complex life. However, a modeled exo-Earth around Alpha Centauri B shows unstable dynamics due to the star system's powerful gravity, making it challenging for evolution.
Researchers discovered an olivine-norite rock in the South Pole-Aitken basin, suggesting it crystallized from the impact-derived melt pool. The fine-grain texture of the rock supports fast cooling thermal conditions.
The 'Half Earth' conservation proposal aims to spare 50% of the planet for nature, but its impact on human populations is significant. A study estimates that over 1 billion people would be directly affected, primarily in middle-income countries and wealthy nations.
A team of researchers from UC Riverside has determined a new geometric model for the Main Himalayan Thrust fault, allowing officials to better prepare for future earthquakes. The study found that the fault is still accumulating stress and may have increased the likelihood of another big earthquake nearby.
A new study has discovered a direct link between ancient groundwater changes and climate fluctuations over tens of thousands of years. The research, led by Penn State scientists, used advanced dating technology to analyze the mineral sphalerite and found that changes in groundwater levels correlated with movements in Earth's orbit.
A study published in Scientific Reports suggests an asteroid or comet hit Earth 12,800 years ago, causing a period of extreme cooling and contributing to the extinctions of over 35 species of megafauna. The impact hypothesis is supported by platinum spikes found at research sites worldwide, including South Carolina, Europe, and Chile.
Scientists discovered significant amounts of water trapped inside diamonds, which formed hundreds of kilometers deep in the planet. The findings suggest that this subterranean water may have originated from surface oceans and played a crucial role in the Earth's natural carbon balance and life emergence.
A new study found higher local earthworm diversity in temperate regions than in the tropics, with patterns not matching aboveground biodiversity. The researchers created a global map of earthworm diversity, abundance, and biomass, highlighting climate change's potential impact on earthworm communities.
Researchers used supercomputer simulations to study magnetic reconnection, a process that releases kinetic energy in the universe. The simulations revealed a previously unknown role for the Biermann battery effect, which impacts magnetic reconnection in unexpected ways.
A University of Hawaii team has provided answers to key questions about Titan's surface, including the existence of vast longitudinal dunes and dark organics. The researchers used remote sensing data from NASA's Cassini-Huygens mission to study the chemical makeup of these organic dunes.
Researchers detected uniform chemical signatures in kimberlites that resemble the building blocks of Earth formed 4.55 billion years ago. The discovery provides critical insight into the planet's formation and evolution.
A new method used to analyze geochemistry of planets outside our solar system implies that Earth is not unique, with rocks from asteroids and white dwarf stars showing similarities to those on Earth and Mars. The study's findings suggest that oxidation plays a significant role in shaping the chemistry of rocky planets.
A new study reveals that some exoplanets have Earth-like geochemistry, with high oxidation levels similar to those in the Solar System. This finding suggests that rocky exoplanets may have similar internal properties to Earth and Mars.
A team of scientists will investigate the evolution of Earth's chemical composition and physical processes over 4.4 billion years using melt inclusions in olivine and zircon crystals. The project aims to understand the recycling of chemical elements and its impact on plate tectonics.
A new study suggests that a majority of lunar ice deposits are likely billions of years old, but some may be more recent, posing implications for exploration and resource utilization.
A new study published in Icarus suggests that the majority of ice deposits at the lunar south pole are likely billions of years old, while some may be much more recent. The researchers used data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to determine the ages of large craters and found evidence for both ancient and fresh ice deposits.
Researchers analyzed global images of submarine canyons to find fundamental differences in their shapes and profiles compared to land-based canyons. The study suggests that processes forming submarine canyons are periodic landslides, seismic activity, or large winter storms, leading to new insights into Martian landscapes.
Researchers propose a cascade of chemical reactions to produce RNA's four genetic building blocks, creating a pivotal step in chemical evolution. The process requires simple precursor molecules and can occur under homogeneous environmental conditions.
Researchers discovered that cyclophospholipids can help protocells build stable vesicles, a crucial step in the emergence of life. This finding provides a solution to the puzzle of how stable vesicles could have developed in early Earth's harsh conditions.
Terry Chapin, a University of Alaska Fairbanks professor emeritus, has been awarded the 2019 Volvo Environment Prize for his groundbreaking work on Earth stewardship. His research focuses on the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human impact on the environment.
The GLIDE spacecraft will reveal the structure and dynamic behavior of the Earth's outermost atmospheric layer, known as the exosphere. The mission will make unprecedented measurements of far ultraviolet light emitted by hydrogen atoms in the exosphere.
Researchers found that deliquescent minerals can assist the construction of proteins from simpler building blocks during cycles timed to mimic day and night on early Earth. This process, which avoids unpredictable storms, may have played a key role in the origins of life.
A graduate student's essay explores why there are no animals with three legs, citing the challenges of stability and balance. Thomson notes that tripod stances and three-limbed movement exist in some animals, but the evolutionary pressures favor bilateral symmetry.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell's PICTURE-C telescope was launched via a football field-sized helium balloon to study objects hidden by stars' glare. The instrument boasts an optical control system and can block out direct light from stars, allowing for the detailed study of nearby planets.
Astronomers have found that a distant galaxy is nestled in a serene ocean of gas, defying expectations and providing new insights into the composition of galaxy halos. The discovery was made possible by a new technique involving fast radio bursts, which allowed researchers to study the gas directly.
A research team led by LI Chunlai reconstructed the landing trajectory and positioning techniques of China's Chang'E-4, which successfully landed on the Moon's far side in January. The reconstruction provides valuable insights into the navigation process and could aid future lunar missions.
Researchers investigated carbon partitioning between iron liquid and silicate melt under high-pressure conditions using a boron nitride capsule. The new experimental result shows that the partition coefficient of carbon is several times lower than previous studies, suggesting that carbon in a magma ocean may not have been as depleted.
A Nova Southeastern University researcher suggests that beneficial microbes are essential for establishing a sustainable human presence on Mars or other planets. By incorporating microorganisms into any future space colonization efforts, the researchers aim to create a more resilient and self-sufficient settlement.
Researchers suggest Machu Picchu was built on tectonic faults, taking advantage of fracture planes to shape stones and access water. The site's unique architecture reflects the underlying geological fault network.
New research suggests that mosasaurs used a unique swimming style that combined elements of both tail and forelimb movement. This dual approach may have allowed them to swim faster and more efficiently than previously thought, with powerful bursts of speed adding to their cruising ability.
A new study suggests that a giant asteroid collision 466 million years ago caused an ancient ice age by releasing massive amounts of extraterrestrial dust into the atmosphere, leading to global cooling. This phenomenon allowed life to adapt and thrive in changing temperatures.
Researchers from Lund University found that a massive asteroid impact 470 million years ago led to a unique ice age and increased biodiversity in the inner solar system. The study suggests that dust from such an event could be used to cool the planet and mitigate climate change.
West Virginia University astronomers have detected the most massive neutron star ever measured, weighing 2.17 times that of the sun. This groundbreaking discovery was made possible through the Green Bank Telescope and sheds light on the mysteries surrounding these exotic celestial objects.
Researchers propose that Tabby's Star is experiencing long-term dimming due to a disk of debris from an exomoon accumulating around it, blocking its light. The exomoon's outer layers are being torn apart by stellar radiation, creating dust clouds that periodically pass between the star and Earth.
Scientists mixed RNA and DNA to study how life began on Earth, finding unstable chimeras that can replicate RNA and DNA. The research suggests a more complex system may have existed before pure RNA and DNA, supporting alternative theories of life's origins.
Scientists at University College London have discovered water vapor on the potentially habitable exoplanet K2-18b, which orbits a cool dwarf star about 110 light years from Earth. The detection confirms that the planet is in its star's 'habitable zone', where temperatures could support liquid water and life.
Researchers from the GLOBE Institute found that massive fluctuations in ocean oxygen levels during the Cambrian explosion were influenced by animal behavior. The discovery suggests that animals may have controlled their own development through adjustments to oxygen levels, shedding light on Earth's 'heartbeat' and its impact on life.
Researchers found that giant impacts can dramatically lower a planet's internal pressure after an impact, followed by a longer term increase as the body recovers. This new model could explain puzzling geochemical signatures in Earth's mantle and have major implications for planetary evolution.
Rice University researchers have developed a new fluid dynamic model that allows scientists to predict when an eruption will transition from spattering to flowing lava. This tool could help emergency officials prepare for potential hazards by providing early warnings of changing behavior.
The ArchaeoGLOBE project provides the first global assessment of land use changes since the last ice age, driven by humans over the past 10,000 years. This study reveals profound implications for understanding contemporary global changes in land use, climate, and biodiversity.
Scientists have developed a new method to overcome the limitations of astronomical time scales, allowing for the dating of geologic archives to be extended by about 8 million years. The study reveals that solar system chaos played a significant role in shaping Earth's climate during this period.
A new study reveals that hunter-gatherers, farmers, and pastoralists made significant changes to the planet by 4,000 years ago. This finding suggests a longer history of human impact on the environment than previously thought.
A new study found a previously unknown mass extinction event involving minuscule microorganisms, which shaped the Earth's atmosphere approximately 2.05 billion years ago. This die-off is estimated to be even greater than the dinosaur extinction, revealing significant changes in the planet's biosphere.
Two McGill University astronomers have assembled a transit spectrum of Earth, a fingerprint of the planet's atmosphere in infrared light. This detection could help scientists identify planets capable of supporting life, such as TRAPPIST-1 system with seven habitable zone planets.
Researchers found exoplanet oceans with efficient upwelling rates could host globally abundant and active life. The discovery suggests that Earth might not be optimally habitable and life elsewhere may enjoy a more hospitable planet.
Researchers have discovered a vast reserve of methane in the Earth's oceanic crust, formed through chemical reactions involving seawater and olivine. This finding opens up new possibilities for understanding the origins of life beyond our planet.