Forces deep inside Earth helped Antarctica freeze before the Arctic
Deep Earth waves gradually lifted East Antarctica, creating mountains and high plateaus that allowed snow and ice to survive in warmer conditions millions of years before Arctic freezing. Once glaciers formed, their reflective surfaces amplified cooling in the region.
Read full story →Reusable stencils create clean carbon nanotube patterns in single-stage process
Researchers developed reusable stencils that deposit carbon nanotube patterns in a single stage without material waste. The method creates geometric patterns used in optical devices and mechanical strain sensors for structural monitoring.
From nuisance to new resource: Prickly pear could support fuels, foods and rural growers
Researchers at Texas A&M are studying prickly pear cactus for production of biofuels and functional food ingredients. Led by molecular researcher Susanne Talcott, the multidisciplinary team aims to transform the plant from a regional nuisance into an economically viable resource for rural growers.
Strong oyster reefs start with genetic diversity
European flat oysters have become so scarce in the North Sea that they no longer form functioning reefs, eliminating three-dimensional structures that housed over 100 marine species. Oyster reef restoration efforts now aim to recover both the oyster population and the biodiversity that depended on these reef structures.