University of Reading Archives

Numerical solutions with effective vertical diffusivity κz = 10−3 m2 s−1, across three different mean ocean salinities of 5 (top), 17.5 (middle), and 22.5 (bottom) g kg−1, highlighting three contrasting stratification regimes. Note colour bar scales are saturated and vary throughout. First column: Salinity anomaly (g kg−1) taken about the mean salinity. Second column: Potential temperature anomaly (°C) taken about the simulation reference temperature Tref (freezing temperature computed under 20km mean ice thickness) of -0.433 (top), -1.106 (middle) and -1.379 (bottom) °C. Third column: Shading shows the buoyancy frequency N2 (s−2) indicating stratification. Contours show the potential density anomaly (10−3 kg m−3) about the ocean reference density ρ0 of 1008.984 (top), 1015.029 (middle) and 1019.065 (bottom) kg m−3. Potential density here is computed using the reference pressure Pref evaluated at the ocean-ice interface. Fourth column: Ideal age of tracers (years), sourced from the ocean bottom. -- Computational simulation/modeling

Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Enceladus, Habitable Zones, Press Release, Tricorders & Sensors, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

An Alien Ocean On Enceladus Could Hide Signs Of Life From A Spacecraft

by Keith CowingFebruary 6, 2025February 6, 2025

Searching for life in alien oceans may be more difficult than scientists previously thought, even when we can sample these extraterrestrial waters directly.

Gel plays Pong CREDIT Cell Reports Physical Science/Strong et al.

AI - Data - Apps - Cybernetics, Commercial & Private Sector, Intelligence & Language, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release

Hydrogel Material Shows Unexpected Learning Abilities: It Learned To Play ‘Pong’

by Keith CowingAugust 23, 2024August 23, 2024

In a study published today (22 August) in Cell Reports Physical Science, a team led by Dr Yoshikatsu Hayashi demonstrated that a simple hydrogel – a type of soft, flexible […]