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When Clams Ruled the World
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| Topic: Biosphere |
09/07/07 |
| Summary: A new theory about how ancient life on Earth responded to elevated CO2 levels may change the way scientists view one of the largest mass extinctions in history. The theory could also yield clues about the future of present day life on our planet in the face of climate change. |
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When Carbon Caused Extinction
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| Topic: Biosphere |
08/16/07 |
| Summary: Researchers are studying a 250-million-year-old extinction event in order to learn more about the carbon cycle on Earth today. Their findings may help scientists understand the future of Earth´s climate and, ultimately, life on our planet. |
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Our Earliest Animal Ancestors
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| Topic: Biosphere |
08/06/07 |
| Summary: How has life changed Earth? How has Earth changed life? And why did animal life appear on Earth some time around 600 million years ago – and not at another time? A new NASA Astrobiology Institute group will tackle big questions about the origin of advanced life. |
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Biosphere 2 Bounces Back
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| Topic: Biosphere |
06/30/07 |
| Summary: A new initiative to provide researchers with access to the Biosphere 2 facility is set to help scientists tackle challenges facing science and society, including global climate change, the fate of water and how energy travels through Earth's ecosystems. |
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Mammals Took Their Time
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| Topic: Biosphere |
03/30/07 |
| Summary: A new study challenges the classic idea that the mass extinction of the dinosaurs played a major role in the diversification of mammals. The study may shed new light on the connections between Earth's climate and the evolution of life. |
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Satellites and Sea Lions
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| Topic: Biosphere |
02/09/07 |
| Summary: Tagging some of the oceans most experienced natural seafarers has allowed scientists to amass a vast amount of oceanographic data. Now, this rich store of information is being used in ocean models that provide new insights into the inner workings of the ocean. |
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Answering Darwin's Dilemma
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| Topic: Biosphere |
12/13/06 |
Summary: Scientists have found that the appearance of large animals in the Earth's history may coincide with a huge increase of oxygen in the world's oceans. The research yields further clues about how life has interacted with and evolved alongside the planet's changing environment.
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A Sea of Complexity
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| Topic: Biosphere |
11/26/06 |
| Summary: The earth experienced its biggest mass extinction about 250 million years ago, an event that wiped out an estimated 95% of marine species and 70% of land species. New research shows that this mass extinction did more than eliminate species: it fundamentally changed the basic ecology of the world's oceans. |
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Phytoplankton Cloud Dance
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| Topic: Biosphere |
11/11/06 |
| Summary: Atmospheric scientists have reported a new and potentially important mechanism by which ocean phytoplankton may influence the formation of clouds that reflect sunlight away from our planet. "Studies like this one may help reshape the way we think about how the biosphere interacts with clouds and climate," said Athanasios Nenes. |
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Tracing a Metal Link
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| Topic: Biosphere |
11/10/06 |
| Summary: The use of trace metals by modern organisms probably derives from changes in ancient ocean chemistry. Their availability is believed to have been brought about by the biologically-caused rise in atmospheric oxygen some 2.3 billion years ago. The development of photosynthesis affected them also. |
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