geochemistry

Evidence of internal geochemical activity on the icy dwarf planets Eris and Makemake suggests they may host subsurface oceans, challenging previous notions of these distant worlds as cold and inert. This discovery, made possible by the James Webb Space Telescope, opens new avenues for research on planetary habitability and the dynamic nature of Kuiper Belt objects.The Webb telescope has observed what appear to be young methane deposits on the surfaces of Eris and Makemake.A team co-led by Southwest Research Institute has…

A drill core sample from the Barberton greenstone belt used in the study. The dark layers contain particles of carbonaceous matter, the altered remains from Palaeoarchaean microorganisms. Credit: Manuel ReinhardtThe research team has discovered complex microbial communities in ecosystems dating back over 3 billion years.Microorganisms are believed to be Earth’s earliest life forms, with evidence embedded in rocks that are 3.5 billion years old. These rocks contain geochemical and morphological markers, like specific…

An international study reveals that certain organic compounds (PAHs) found in the Ryugu asteroid and Murchison meteorite likely originated in the cold areas of space. This finding, derived from controlled burns of plants and comparative analysis, challenges previous beliefs and offers new insights into the chemistry of celestial bodies and the potential for extraterrestrial life.The examination of organic compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), obtained from the Ryugu asteroid and Murchison meteorite,…

By Washington University in St. Louis January 19, 2024Left: Composite image of a long-exposure and short-exposure image of the nucleus of comet Wild 2, showing surface features and jet activity. Right: Close-up view from a different image showing pinnacles, depressions, and ridges on Wild 2. Credit: GeochemistryEighteen years following the return of NASA’s Stardust mission to Earth, which brought back the first samples from a known comet, the true nature of that icy object is coming into focus.Stardust collected material…

A new study using advanced atom-probe tomography has determined that the Earth’s Moon is 4.46 billion years old, 40 million years older than previous estimates. This finding, derived from analyzing lunar crystals from Apollo 17, provides a deeper understanding of the Moon’s formation and its impact on Earth’s environment. Scientists from Northwestern University contributed to the analysis of lunar samples that were collected by astronauts during the Apollo 17 mission. By analyzing tiny crystals from the Moon, collected…

A team of U.S. scientists has developed an AI-based system capable of detecting signs of life with 90% accuracy. This system can distinguish between biological and abiotic materials. It holds significant implications for understanding life’s origins on Earth and Mars and detecting extraterrestrial life, potentially transforming astrobiology.The system demonstrates 90% accuracy in distinguishing between biological and non-biological samples.Humankind is looking for life on other planets, but how will we recognize it when…

Scientists have developed a groundbreaking AI-based method to detect signs of life on other planets. This method, with 90% accuracy, distinguishes between biological and abiotic samples by analyzing molecular patterns. It promises to revolutionize space exploration and our understanding of life’s origins, with potential applications in various fields including biology and archaeology.“The Holy Grail of astrobiology” – New machine learning technique can determine whether a sample is of biological or non-biological origin…

A study on sulfur cycling in Lake Superior, which mimics ancient Earth’s oceans, unveils a new sulfur cycle emphasizing organic sulfur’s role. This discovery enhances our understanding of early Earth’s chemistry and the evolution of microbial life.The study highlights the significance of organic sulfur compounds in the biogeochemical cycle.Geochemist Alexandra Phillips has sulfur on her mind. The yellow element is a vital macronutrient, and she’s trying to understand how it cycles through the environment. Specifically,…

A new study provides empirical evidence that the extinct Megalodon shark was warm-blooded. Using a novel geochemical technique on fossil teeth, researchers found that this warmth might have played a role in the Megalodon’s gigantism and possibly its extinction, highlighting the vulnerability of large marine predators to environmental changes.In a recent study, researchers used a new geochemical technique on fossil teeth to confirm that the extinct Megalodon shark was warm-blooded. This warmth, which facilitated the…

Geochemistry of 14 hot springs in the flat-slab and back-arc regions of Peru. a Piper diagram showing the major ion chemistry and TDS for flat-slab springs (FSS) and back-arc springs (BAS; note Sp. 4 TDS). b Principal component analysis (PCA) based on the measured aqueous, gas, and isotope geochemistry. Springs separate into four groups FSS into A&B; BAS into C&D, with one major exception (Sp. 9). This lower temperature BAS falls into PCA group…