Mercury has Magnetic Storms

Image by NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington
Images from Messenger show previously uncharted regions of the planet that have large craters with an internal smoothness similar to Earth’s own moon and that are thought to have been flooded by lava flows.

An international team of scientists has proved that Mercury, our solar system’ssmallest planet, has geomagnetic storms similar to those on Earth.

The research by scientists in the United States, Canada and China includes work by Hui Zhang, a space physics professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute.

Their finding, a first, answers the question of whether other planets, including those outside our solar system, can have geomagnetic storms regardless of t...

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Study shows Critical Protein may play a Role in Origin of Mesothelioma

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and their international collaborators have discovered that a protein critical in the embryonic stages of life is reactivated in certain cases of mesothelioma, offering clues into the origin of this aggressive cancer.

The study published today in the journal Nature Communications.

“Together with our basic research and clinical collaborators, we have discovered that in numerous mesothelioma tumors, the Hand2 protein has been turned back on, possibly altering the cells of the tumor,” said Christian Mosimann, PhD, lead author of the study and associate professor of pediatrics in the section of developmental biology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus...

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Heat Storage: Scientists develop Material that is Stable, Efficient and Eco-friendly

Felix Marske holds a sample of the new material / Foto: Uni Halle / Marian Sorge

A new heat storage material could help to significantly improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Developed by researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and the University of Leipzig, it can be used to store surplus heat and release it back into the environment when needed. Unlike existing materials, the new one can absorb significantly more heat, is more stable, and is made of harmless substances. In the Journal of Energy Storage the team describes the formation mechanism of the material.

The invention is a so-called shape-stabilized phase change material. It can absorb large amounts of heat by changing its physical state from solid to liquid...

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Researchers discover Source of Superfast Electron ‘Rain’

Electrons in a Van Allen radiation belt (blue) encounter whistler waves (purple) and are sent raining toward the north pole (red). THEMIS satellites are seen near the radiation belt, while UCLA’s ELFIN hovers above Earth. Zhang, et al., Nature Communications, 2022

The downpours, which can affect satellites and space travel, are caused by electromagnetic whistler waves, scientists say. UCLA scientists have discovered a new source of super-fast, energetic electrons raining down on Earth, a phenomenon that contributes to the colorful aurora borealis but also poses hazards to satellites, spacecraft and astronauts.

The researchers observed unexpected, rapid “electron precipitation” from low-Earth orbit using the ELFIN mission, a pair of tiny satellites built and operated on the UCLA ca...

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