Latest news with #internationalteam
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
America's Largest Crater Has Surprise Link to Grand Canyon, Study Finds
Two of Arizona's most famous landmarks may be linked by cosmic violence: the asteroid that gouged out Meteor Crater may have also caused the formation of an ancient lake in the Grand Canyon. This surprising connection between Arizona's world-renowned geological features stretches back 56,000 years, to when a 300,000 ton nickel-iron asteroid slammed into the Colorado Plateau with the force of over 150 atomic bombs, creating the largest meteor crater in the United States. The resultant impact-generated earthquake may have caused a rockslide in the Grand Canyon, damming the Colorado River and temporarily creating a body of water 80 kilometers (50 miles) long and more than 100 meters (around 370 feet) deep in what is today Nankoweap canyon. Related: Meteor Crater (also known as Barringer Meteor Crater) is a relatively young and exceptionally well-preserved crater just west of the city of Winslow, Arizona. The asteroid that produced it may have been only 30 to 50 meters across, but the impact excavated 175 million metric tons of limestone and sandstone, forming a crater 1.2 kilometers across and about 180 meters deep. Today, such an impact would wipe out an urban center the size of Kansas City. The newly released study encompasses more than five decades of research, an international team of collaborators, and an evolution of scientific dating techniques. The evidence for the Nankoweap paleolake hinges on driftwood and lake sediments found in Stanton's Cave, which is situated almost 45 meters above the Colorado River. Carrying the driftwood up to the cave "required a 10 times bigger flood level than any flood that has happened in the past several thousand years," says Karl Karlstrom, a geologist at the University of New Mexico and co-lead author of the study. The Stanton Cave driftwood was initially collected in 1970 and radiocarbon dated in the 1980s, suggesting it was around 44,000 years old – a figure that was at the limit of radiocarbon testing at that time. Additional driftwood samples were later collected from another high alcove, situated 33 meters above the Colorado River and a few kilometers downstream of Stanton's Cave. The two separate driftwood samples were independently dated, using different techniques, at different labs. The researchers also analyzed the lake sediments using luminescence dating, which measures the energy of light emitted by a certain material. This separate dating method, distinct from radiocarbon dating, provided "statistically indistinguishable" dates for the driftwood samples and sediments, converging to 55,600 years ago. Additionally, researchers found ancient evidence of a natural dam about 35 kilometers downstream of Stanton's Cave. In places, this ancient dam material is overlain with rounded river cobbles that were deposited as the Colorado River overtopped the dam across a span of about 1,000 years. Overall, the coinciding dates of the impact, landslide, driftwood, and lake sediments support the idea that the Nankoweap paleolake was formed by a seismic event generated by an asteroid traveling with a cosmic velocity of over 11 kilometers per second, producing a 10-15 megaton event upon impact. The resulting 5.4 magnitude earthquake traveled the 100 miles to the Grand Canyon in seconds, where it hit with an effective magnitude of 3.5 and caused a landslide that dammed the Colorado River and formed the Nankoweap paleolake. The researchers do acknowledge the possibilities that the Nankoweap paleolake was the result of a natural landslide, or an unrelated earthquake. "Nevertheless, the meteorite impact, the massive landslide, the lake deposits, and the driftwood high above river level are all rare and unusual occurrences" whose ages converge on a narrow slice of time around 55,600 years ago, concludes Karlstrom. This research is published in the journal Geology. Related News 500-Million-Year-Old Fossil Suggests Ocean Origin For Spiders Secret Bone Armor Discovered Beneath Skins of Australian Lizards Many Butterflies Have a Second 'Head' – This Could Be Why Solve the daily Crossword
Sustainability Times
6 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'They'd Rather We Stay Dependent': Leaked Docs Reveal Elites Blocking 200-Million-Ton Power Vault That Could End Energy Poverty Forever
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 Natural hydrogen found in an Albanian mine could redefine sustainable energy sources. found in an Albanian mine could redefine sustainable energy sources. 🔬 This discovery suggests a shift from skyward energy solutions like solar and wind to underground resources. ⚠️ The presence of unique ecosystems in these hydrogen-rich zones requires cautious exploration. 🔋 Combining this find with Europe's green hydrogen efforts could revolutionize clean energy production. In the ongoing quest for sustainable energy, much focus has been directed towards the sky, with solar panels and wind turbines becoming emblematic of green innovation. Yet, a groundbreaking discovery suggests that the future of clean energy might not be above us but beneath our very feet. An international team of scientists has uncovered a significant natural hydrogen reservoir in a deep chromite mine in Albania. This finding has the potential to redefine how we perceive energy resources and could be a pivotal moment in the ongoing energy revolution. We've Been Looking Up for Answers but Maybe the Future Was Beneath Us All Along For decades, the pursuit of sustainable energy has been synonymous with harnessing power from the sky. Solar panels have transformed rooftops into mini power stations, and wind turbines have reshaped landscapes with their majestic blades. The race to capture renewable energy has largely been an aerial endeavor, driven by the promise of endless resources from the sun and wind. However, the recent discovery of a natural hydrogen reservoir challenges this upward gaze. Deep within a chromite mine in Albania, scientists have stumbled upon a spring that does not release water but hydrogen. This almost pure hydrogen flow, estimated at over 220 tons per year, represents the largest natural release of the gas ever recorded. This revelation is not just a geological curiosity but a potential paradigm shift in energy sourcing, suggesting that what could power our future has been lying underground all along. 'Nuclear Fusion Just Got Real': Scientists Unveil Breakthrough That Could Deliver Endless Clean Energy and Erase Fossil Fuel Dependency The Hidden Jacuzzi, the Gas Leak, and the Quiet Energy Revolution This discovery marks an energy milestone, providing concrete evidence of naturally occurring hydrogen reservoirs. Unlike traditional methods of hydrogen production, which are costly and carbon-intensive, these underground reserves offer a ready-made, high concentration source of hydrogen. Drilling at the Bulqizë mine revealed that specific geological fault zones release this gas, hinting at a natural system that has been operating for millennia. Hydrogen has long been heralded as the 'fuel of the future.' Yet, its production has been hampered by the need for energy-intensive processes like electrolysis or methane combustion. The Albanian find changes this narrative, offering a glimpse into a natural, clean hydrogen source that bypasses these carbon-emitting processes. This revelation could spark a quiet energy revolution, providing a sustainable alternative that has been hiding in plain sight. 'This Device Slashes Bills Instantly': Tech Giant Reveals Breakthrough Energy System That Could Cut Costs for 40 Million U.S. Homes But Before the Hype — A Fragile Biosphere, and a Geological Clock Ticking Slowly While the discovery is exciting, it is crucial to temper this enthusiasm with caution. Geological hydrogen is not a renewable resource in the short term; it forms over millions of years, yet can be rapidly depleted. Additionally, these deep fault zones are home to unique ecosystems that rely on hydrogen as an energy source, existing in total darkness. Unregulated exploitation of these systems could lead to the destruction of these fragile biospheres. Moreover, the 220 tons of hydrogen extracted annually is minuscule compared to the 100 million tons produced globally. However, the significance lies in the geological model that this discovery represents. Scientists have, for the first time, managed to map and simulate the formation of an underground hydrogen reservoir. This breakthrough forces a reconsideration of Earth's hidden depths as a source of natural, clean energy. Fusion Future Ignited: New Ultra-Precise Laser Technology Could Finally Make Net-Energy Devices a Scalable Global Reality Charting a New Course for Energy Exploration The discovery of natural hydrogen reservoirs offers a new narrative for energy exploration. It suggests that Earth's depths may hold answers to our energy needs, providing a clean and accessible alternative to traditional fossil fuels. However, this potential must be balanced with responsible exploration. The lessons learned from oil extraction remind us of the importance of environmental assessments and scientific ethics. This finding coincides with Europe's underwater energy revolution, where 49,600 tons of green hydrogen are produced annually. Combining these innovations could pave the way for a sustainable future. Yet, it remains imperative to approach this new frontier with caution, ensuring that the pursuit of hydrogen does not repeat the environmental mistakes of the past. As we stand on the brink of a potential energy revolution, the question remains: How can we responsibly harness this newfound underground treasure while preserving the delicate ecosystems that exist within these geological wonders? The answer could redefine our approach to energy for generations to come. This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (27)
Washington Post
23-07-2025
- General
- Washington Post
The 700-year-old Prague cathedral will get a new voice as an organ is nearly installed
PRAGUE — The installation of a new organ at Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral is nearing completion, giving the 700-year-old biggest temple in the Czech Republic a proper instrument to accompany religious services and concerts. An international team was working on a three-story scaffolding above the main entrance inside the cathedral on Tuesday to put in place some of the remaining pipes. The work is scheduled to be complete in late August, followed by the voicing and tuning of the pipes through the end of the year.
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Scientists discover new form of condition suffered by 38million Americans... putting even more at risk
A possible third type of diabetes that could potentially impact nearly 2million Americans has been discovered. An international team of researchers found that a specific subset of people with type 1 diabetes — which affects about 1.8million Americans — may actually have an entirely new form of the disease that is not caused by the immune system. Type 1 diabetes affects 8.4million people globally and is caused by the immune system misfiring and destroying cells that help to control blood sugar. But now scientists in the US and UK say they have detected a new variant of the disease in people of sub-Saharan African descent that does not appear to be linked to the immune system. Their analysis of nearly 900 people with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes from three African countries revealed that only about 33 percent had the characteristic antibodies — proteins made by the immune system that attack cells used to control blood sugar — seen in type 1 diabetics. The remaining 66 percent previously diagnosed with type 1 diabetes did not test positive for these antibodies, suggesting they had a new variant of the disease. Revealing the findings, researchers said it could pave the way for new treatments for the disease to boost health and life expectancy, with type 1 diabetics dying about a decade earlier than their peers on average. More than 38.4million Americans have diabetes, with the vast majority — around 37million — having type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition where the body can't use the insulin it produces, a hormone used to control blood sugar, leading to high blood sugar levels. This differs from type 1 diabetes, which is caused by the immune system attacking islet cells that make insulin, causing blood sugar levels to spike. The disease is typically diagnosed by testing the blood for characteristic antibodies against islet cells, indicating the disease. In the study, a similar analysis was repeated on 107 Americans of sub-Saharan African background with type 1 diabetes. It found 55 percent of them tested negative for typical type 1 diabetes antibodies. Writing in the study, the team led by the UK's University of Exeter said: 'These findings support the common existence of a non-autoimmune, insulin-deficient subtype of diabetes among children and young adults with diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa. '[This] is different from classic autoimmune type 1 diabetes, and does not have features consistent with type 2 diabetes or malnutrition-associated diabetes. 'Therefore, alternative causes must be considered in this group of individuals.' Researchers are not sure what may cause this version of diabetes, but said it might be linked to malnutrition in early life, which could cause cells to become less sensitive to the hormone insulin, which helps to control blood sugar. They also suggested it may be due to certain genetic variations in sub-Saharan African populations that are not present in white groups. Of those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the US, an estimated nearly 10 percent — or 167,000 — are black. It is not clear what proportion of these can trace their roots back to Sub-Saharan Africa. For the first part of the study, participants were recruited from Cameroon, Uganda and South Africa. About half were female, all were black, and participants were diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 15 years on average. They all also had a healthy body weight. For participants from Cameroon and Uganda, blood samples were collected from patients who had visited private or public hospitals between 2019 and 2022. These were analyzed for the presence of antibodies that would indicate the presence of type 1 diabetes. To expand the dataset, the researchers also included participants from South Africa who had their blood tested for the same antibodies between 2007 and 2015. A total of 312 participants, or 35 percent, tested positive for the antibodies, while the remaining 582 tested negative. Next, the researchers extracted data from the SEARCH database, which collects data on young people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the US. They extracted information on 3,000 participants, including 2,602 from a white ethnic background and 429 from a black ethnic background. Among the 107 recorded as being from a Sub-Saharan African background by the database, 55 percent or 59 participants did not test positive for the typical antibodies. And among those from a black background, 65 participants or 15 percent tested negative for the antibodies. The researchers said a similar pattern was not detected among those from a white ethnic background. Dr Dana Dabelea, an epidemiologist at the University of Colorado and co-author of the study, said: 'The identification of this type 1 diabetes in Sub-Saharan African populations and among individuals of African ancestry in the US suggests a potential ancestral or genetic link. 'These findings highlight the need to consider alternative etiologies in this group and a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms may provide important insights for future prevention and treatment strategies.'
News.com.au
10-07-2025
- Science
- News.com.au
Major breakthrough brings world one step closer to achieving clean energy
We're one step closer to a cleaner world. In a remarkable advancement, scientists have set a new record in nuclear fusion performance. The breakthrough was achieved at the Wendelstein 7-X reactor, an advanced fusion stellarator located in Germany. Scientists recorded the impressive high triple product — a key metric the number of particles, temperature and energy confinement time essential for self-sustaining fusion reactions — which it sustained for 43 seconds. While it may not seem like much, it's a huge leap for the process and a big step towards clean, safe and virtually limitless energy. 'The new record is a tremendous achievement by the international team,' Thomas Klinger, head of operations at Wendelstein 7-X, said in a statement. 'Elevating the triple product to tokamak levels during long plasma pulses marks another important milestone on the way toward a power-plant-capable stellarator.' The advancement made at the Wendelstein 7-X reactor is another to the list of breakthroughs that brings the world a significant step closer to a world with clean energy. The importance of nuclear fusion Nuclear fusion is the process by which two atomic nuclei fuse together, which unleashes large amounts of energy. It's a process that can happen naturally - for instance, in stars such as the sun. The sun is fuelled by hydrogen atoms that are fused together to create helium and other heavy elements that expel huge amounts of energy. In this case, the energy is the heat and light we experience from Earth. Since the theory of nuclear fusion was understood in the 1930s, scientists have been on a mission to recreate and harness it. Why? Well, it's often regarded as the 'holy grail' of energy production. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, nuclear fusion generates four times more energy per kilogram of fuel than nuclear fission (the process by which a heavy atomic nucleus is split into smaller nuclei, currently used in nuclear power plants), and releases four million times more energy than using coal, oil, or gas. That means that on Earth, if it can be reproduced, it has the potential to provide clean, safe, and affordable energy in quantities that could service humanity's future needs and solve the climate crisis. When can it actually be achieved? The timeline for nuclear fission to be achieved on Earth depends on several factors. Nuclear fission research is currently carried out across more than 50 countries, and the recent breakthrough at the Wendelstein 7-X is a testament to the international collaboration required for making advancements in scientific research. To achieve the end goal of clean energy requires further global collaboration and partnership. Another issue the industry faces is the development of the necessary infrastructure to support this energy source. In December 2023, the world's biggest experimental nuclear fusion reactor was launched in Japan. A joint project between the European Union and Japan, the goal of the JT-60SA reactor was to further research the possibility of fusion as a source of net energy. EU energy commissioner Kadri Simson said the JT-60SA was 'a milestone for fusion history'.
