Research on Earth's systems and resources. Covers green energy, ocean oxygen and metal deposits, lunar exploration, and geothermal power.
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.
The Parker Solar Probe has completed three passes through the Sun's atmosphere, revealing new information about the material and particles that speed away from the star. The data shows a complicated, active system with quick reversals in the magnetic field and sudden, faster-moving jets of material.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.