A team of New York University scientists has created a gear mechanism that relies on fluids to generate rotation. The invention holds potential for a new generation of mechanical devices that offer greater flexibility and durability than do existing gears—whose origins date back to ancient China. 

A study reconstructs rainfall patterns during the extreme warming during the early Paleogene Period, 66 to 48 millions years ago. Conducted by University of Utah atmospheric scientists and Colorado School of Mines geologists, the research examined “proxies” in the geologic record and drew conclusions that suggest rainfall becomes more intense, but more irregular when Earth gets hot.

A record of repeated retreat of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet during the past warm climates has been identified by IODP Exp379 Scientists. By analyzing deep-sea sediments from the Amundsen Sea and tracing their geochemical signatures, the study shows that the ice sheet retreated far inland at least five times during the warm Pliocene Epoch. The findings highlight the ice sheet’s sensitivity to warming and its potential to drive future sea-level rise.

An multi-institutional group of researchers have outlined changes to the research and peer review process that have the potential to increase the reliability of experimental results: sharing more data and openly discussing alternative explanations.