A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Western Sydney University has revealed alarming levels of PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) chemical contamination in the livers of deceased platypuses in eastern New South Wales. The study, recently published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research, examined liver samples from nine platypuses collected over a two-and-a-half-year period. Lead researcher Katherine
Earth
Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) affects a significant percentage of the population, including genetic males and genetic females. For those working in fields that heavily rely on color representation, such as meteorology, having CVD can pose unique challenges. The traditional colormaps used in weather radar maps often fail to consider the needs of individuals with CVD,
The discovery of seismic signals known as PKP precursors has long perplexed scientists due to their complex nature. These signals originate in Earth’s lower mantle, where incoming seismic waves scatter and return to the surface as PKP waves at varying speeds. While these precursor signals precede the main seismic waves that traverse Earth’s core, their
The traditional view of hailstones as perfect spheres has been challenged by researchers from the University of Queensland and Penn State University. Dr. Joshua Soderholm and Ph.D. candidate Yuzhu Lin have delved into the world of non-spherical, natural hail shapes to improve storm modeling outcomes. This groundbreaking research, published in the Journal of the Atmospheric
The Southern Ocean, surrounding Antarctica, is a region filled with unique and diverse wildlife that plays a crucial role in maintaining the Earth’s ecosystems. A recent study led by the University of Colorado Boulder has identified 30 new areas in the Southern Ocean that are critical for conserving biodiversity. Without greater protection in these areas,
The study of massif-type anorthosites has long been a source of confusion for scientists. These plagioclase-rich igneous rock formations, covering vast areas and hosting valuable titanium ore deposits, have posed a challenge due to conflicting theories about their origins. However, a recent study published in Science Advances has shed new light on the formation of
A recent study conducted by researchers at Brown University has shed new light on ancient temperatures and rainfall patterns in the tropical Andes of South America. This groundbreaking research has uncovered how climate history in this region over the past 16,000 years was influenced by carbon dioxide levels and ocean currents driven by global climate
Recent research conducted by a team at Los Alamos National Laboratory has focused on advancing landslide prediction capabilities. This research aims to make simulations faster and more accurate, ultimately enhancing safety for communities at risk of having their infrastructure destroyed by landslides. The findings of this study were published in the journal Earth’s Future. The
The recent study conducted by the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and University College London challenges the existing beliefs regarding the isotopic composition of carbon in iron formations from the Saglek-Hebron Complex in Nunatsiavut. While the previous interpretations viewed the presence of graphite in these rocks as evidence of early life on Earth, the new
Scientists have recently made a groundbreaking discovery by recovering the first extensive section of rocks from the Earth’s mantle, the layer situated below the crust. This remarkable find is set to revolutionize our understanding of the Earth’s composition and the processes that shape our planet. The recovered rocks, totaling an impressive 1,268 meters, were obtained
Recent research conducted by scholars from the University of Cambridge and the British Antarctic Survey has shed light on the impact of biomass burning on climate models. By examining carbon monoxide levels in Antarctic ice cores dating back to the 19th century, researchers have identified a more significant variability in biomass burning than previously thought.
Nature has always been a reliable source of answers when it comes to addressing some of humanity’s most challenging problems. In the case of global warming, scientists have turned to Earth’s geological history for valuable insights. Throughout Earth’s existence, there have been periods marked by catastrophic volcanic eruptions that released massive amounts of carbon into
The McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica have long been known as one of the driest places on Earth, with minimal humidity and a lack of rainfall. However, a sudden and extreme weather event in March 2022 shocked researchers. The region experienced an unexpected temperature spike of over 70°F above its average, leading to a significant
In the wake of the devastating 2022 magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Luding County in China’s Sichuan Province, researchers have delved into the realm of using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations for swift prediction of earthquake-triggered landslides. The findings from their report in Seismological Research Letters shed light on the potential of GNSS data in
Groundwater is a crucial resource that plays a vital role in sustaining plants, ecosystems, agricultural production, and drinking water supplies. However, the impact of climate change and human activities on groundwater availability cannot be underestimated. Recent research conducted by an international team led by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) sheds light on the
