Conventional wisdom assumes the ratio of gases in a planet’s atmosphere should match the ratio of gases in the natal disk that birthed it. For the first time, researchers compared gases in a still-forming planet’s atmosphere to its natal disk. Team found the planet surprisingly was less carbon-rich than the disk.

Another advance has been made by experts in nano-scale chemistry to propel further development of sustainable and efficient generation of hydrogen from water using solar power.

In a new international collaborative study – led by Flinders University with collaborators in the USA, South Australia and Germany – experts have identified a novel solar cell process to potentially use in future technologies for photocatalytic water splitting in green hydrogen production. 

A new study from the University of Oregon shows how one kind of bacteria, Vibrio cholerae, triggers painful intestinal contractions by activating the immune system. The research also finds a more general explanation for how the gut rids itself of unwanted intruders, which could also help scientists better understand chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

Researchers analyzed radioisotopes in layers of fossilized volcanic ash. Decay of uranium to lead within tiny crystals enabled scientists to precisely pinpoint dates for certain events. They determined this event occurred 119.5 million years ago — coincident with evidence for massive volcanic eruptions — and lasted for 1.1 million years. Study results help scientists better understand links between atmospheric CO₂ levels, climate changes and conditions in the oceans.