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Key to Mass Extinctions Could be Future Food and Fuel
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| Topic: Earth |
04/20/13 |
| Summary:
A potential culprit in several of the largest extinctions in Earth's history might also benefit the future of life on Earth. A new study indicates that low doses of 'sewer gas' could enhance plant growth for food and biofuel production. |
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How To Target an Asteroid
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| Topic: Meteorites, Comets and Asteroids |
04/19/13 |
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Scientists studying how to send a spacecraft on a collision course with an asteroid have likened the task to shooting an arrow at a target on a speeding race car. However, the scientific results of such a mission may be well worth the effort. |
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Five Planet System with Most Earth-Like Exoplanet Yet
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| Topic: New Planets |
04/18/13 |
| Summary:
Astronomers have identified a small, probably rocky planet orbiting in the habitable zone of a Sun-like star. The planet orbits in its host star's habitable zone and circles the star in 267.3 (Earth) days. |
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Titan's Methane: Going, Going, Soon to be Gone?
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| Topic: Titan |
04/18/13 |
| Summary:
By studying the surface of Titan over several years, scientists have determined that the supply of the moon's hydrocarbon methane could be coming to an end. |
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Supernova Left Its Mark in Ancient Bacteria
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| Topic: Spaceship Earth |
04/17/13 |
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Scientists have discovered that sediment in the deep-sea may hold radioactive iron from a supernova that happened 2.2 million years ago. The remnants of the stellar explosion may be preserved in fossilized remains of iron-loving bacteria. |
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The IAU Weighs in on Naming Planets
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| Topic: New Planets |
04/16/13 |
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In the light of recent events, where the possibility of buying the rights to name exoplanets has been advertised, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) wishes to inform the public that such schemes have no bearing on the official naming process. |
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The Best Windows into Europa's Interior
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| Topic: Europa |
04/14/13 |
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A new analysis of data from NASA's Galileo mission is helping astrobiologists identify regions on the surface of Europa covered with material churned up from inside the moon. Studying this material could yield information about Europa's subsurface ocean and it's potential as a habitat for life. |
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NASA's 'Tough Choices' 2014 Budget Proposal Includes Asteroid Capture
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| Topic: Missions |
04/13/13 |
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NASA has released the agency's budget proposal for 2104. In all, the agency is requesting $50 million less than in 2013. There will be no new missions to outer planets or moons, but the proposal does include funding for preliminary work on an asteroid capture mission. |
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Ancient Climate Questions Could Improve Predictions
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| Topic: Climate |
04/12/13 |
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A new study raises questions about climate models of the early Pliocene Earth. During this period in history, the Earth was warmer than today. As the modern earth warms, studying the Pliocene could provide clues about the future of life on Earth. |
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New Study Points to Proteins and Salt for Life's Origin
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| Topic: Origin & Evolution of Life |
04/12/13 |
| Summary:
A new study indicates that 10 amino acids believed to exist on the early Earth were capable of forming foldable proteins. The research suggests that these proteins could have been used in biological reactions in the first living cells. |
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