A research team from Xiamen University reveals how a two-year extreme warming event in the South Pacific broke regional records and what atmospheric and oceanic processes sustained it—highlighting a surprising role for the tropical Indian Ocean.

A new study presents high-resolution nitrogen isotope records from the inner-ramp Penglaiba section in the Tarim Basin, documenting a two-stage deoxygenation–reoxygenation redox history of shallow marine environments during the Terreneuvian Epoch. Integrated with regional datasets, the findings demonstrate a persistent depth-dependent redox gradient across the basin, providing cross-basin validation for the hypothesis that stepwise shallow-ocean oxygenation modulated the multi-phase trajectory of the Cambrian Explosion.

Inspired by naturally-occurring mats and balls of seaweed, researchers have created highly-porous, superadhesive meshes that are capable of capturing both large and small microplastic particles – a longstanding challenge in the field. The mesh can clean microplastics from both saltwater and freshwater and is made from sustainable and widely available biopolymers.

More than a year after the historic Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires, residents still face urgent environmental questions: Is my soil contaminated? Are the beaches safe? What should I do if contamination is found?