What do Mars and Iceland have in common? These days, not so much. But more than 4.5 billion years ago, it's possible the Red Planet had a crust comparable to Iceland today. This discovery, hidden in the oldest martian fragments found on Earth, could provide information about our planet that...
Efficient, stable, and eco-friendly thermoelectric material discovered
A thermoelectric metal oxide film with a thermoelectric figure of merit of ~0.55 at 600°C has been discovered, opening new avenues towards the widespread use of thermoelectric converters.
Research links national-level greenhouse gas emissions, warming and resulting economic damage
Study provides data on gains and losses attributable to individual countries, including the finding that a group from the world's leading national emitters of GHGs have caused $6 trillion in global economic losses through warming caused by their emissions from 1990 to 2014.
Nutrient imbalance in flathead lake
New research has found a sustained imbalance between nitrogen and phosphorus that likely has significant ecological consequences for lakes worldwide.
How stressed-out plants produce their own aspirin
Plants protect themselves from environmental hazards like insects, drought and heat by producing salicylic acid, also known as aspirin. A new understanding of this process may help plants survive increasing stress caused by climate change.
Evolve… innovate… repeat: Scientists peel back the layers of virus-host evolution and innovation
Scientists have uncovered an intriguing new understanding of how viruses and the hosts they infect evolve new innovations to outcompete each other. Culminating a 10-year research effort, the researchers tracked the way fitness landscapes constantly change in the ongoing struggle for survival.
How environmentally responsible is lithium brine mining? It depends on how old the water is
A groundbreaking new study comprehensively accounts for the hydrological impact of lithium mining. Since lithium is the key component of the lithium-ion batteries that are crucial for the transition away from fossil fuels and towards green energy, it is critical to fully understand how to responsibly obtain the precious element.
Rare deep-sea brine pools discovered in Red Sea
Researchers recently discovered rare deep-sea brine pools in the Gulf of Aqaba, a northern extension to the Red Sea. These salty underwater lakes hold secrets into the way oceans on Earth formed millions of years ago, and offer clues to life on other planets.
Habitat shifts affect brain structure in Amazonian butterflies
Habitat differences help determine changes in the nervous system of tropical butterflies, scientists have found.
Plankton will store more carbon as Earth’s climate warms, but storage beyond the end of the century is uncertain
The amount of carbon stored by microscopic plankton will increase in the coming century, predict researchers.