Emily Sarafian, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (IMAGE) Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Caption In her laboratory experiments, Sarafian used a piston-cylinder apparatus -- the red machine behind her -- to simulate the high pressures and temperature of the Earth's mantle. The heavy stainless steel plates visible on the table are stacked on the apparatus, with the tiny synthetic mantle sample inside a 'pressure vessel' underneath them. Once the machine is turned on, pistons apply massive pressure from above and below the sample, which is simultaneously heated with electrical current. Credit Photo by Veronique LaCapra, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Usage Restrictions for news purposes only with proper credit License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.