The history of the Earth is written on the great tablets of tectonic plates.
Harvard University
Posted inExtremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release, Tardigrades
Trying To Understand The Tardigrade Body Plan
Tardigrades, often called “water bears”, are fascinating microscopic organisms known for their incredible resilience—they can survive anything from deadly radiation to arctic temperatures to the vacuum of space. And though […]
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Sample Return, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Giant Deep-sea Vent Tubeworm Symbionts Use Two Carbon Fixation Pathways To Grow At Record Speeds
In the deep-sea environment of the East Pacific Rise, where sunlight does not penetrate and the surroundings are known for their extreme temperatures, skull-crushing pressures, and toxic compounds, lives Riftia […]
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Habitable Zones, Press Release
Massive 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Eruption Reduced Earth’s Ozone Levels
When the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted on January 15, 2022 in the South Pacific, it produced a shock wave felt around the world and triggered tsunamis in Tonga, Fiji, […]
Posted inFossils & Paleontology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Discovery Of A 500-million-year-old Fossil Reveals The Astonishing Secrets Of Tunicate Origins
Karma Nanglu says his favorite animal is whichever one he’s working on. But his latest subject may hold first place status for a while: a 500-million-year-old fossil from the wonderfully […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Habitable Zones, Press Release
Laying The Geological Groundwork For Life On Earth
New research analyzing pieces of the most ancient rocks on the planet adds some of the sharpest evidence yet that Earth’s crust was pushing and pulling in a manner similar […]
Posted inExtremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Fossils & Paleontology, Press Release, Tardigrades
Researchers Describe New Tardigrade Fossil Found In 16 Million Year Old Domincan Amber
Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are a diverse group of charismatic microscopic invertebrates that are best known for their ability to survive extreme conditions.
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather
Microbes In Earth's Ocean Play An Important Role In Moderating Earth's Temperature
Methane is a strong greenhouse gas that plays a key role in Earth’s climate. Anytime we use natural gas, whether we light up our kitchen stove or barbeque, we are […]
Posted inOrigin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
Some Scientists Believe Life Formed in Thermal Pools like Those in Yellowstone National Park
When the Earth was born, it was a mess. Meteors and lightning storms likely bombarded the planet’s surface where nothing except lifeless chemicals could survive. How life formed in this […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Press Release
A Goldilocks Zone For Planet Size
In The Little Prince, the classic novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the titular prince lives on a house-sized asteroid so small that he can watch the sunset any time of […]