Rare earth elements are highly coveted by the tech and energy sectors due to their valuable properties. This group of 17 metals consists of the 15 metallic elements located at the bottom of the periodic table, along with yttrium and scandium. Among these, neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, and dysprosium stand out as superstrong miniaturized magnets, crucial
In every human body resides a complex community of trillions of microorganisms that hold significant importance for your well-being during your lifetime. These microbial symbionts serve crucial functions, such as aiding in food digestion, synthesizing essential vitamins, guarding against infections, and performing various other vital roles. Conversely, these microorganisms, primarily concentrated in your gut, inhabit
Ocean explorer Jon Copley, renowned for his numerous journeys into the enigmatic depths of the sea, remains perpetually awestruck by the peculiar life forms thriving in these abyssal realms. With a quarter-century of exploration, Copley has ventured to Earth’s deepest hydrothermal vents, the frigid “midnight zone” of Antarctica, and spectacular underwater mountain ranges scattered across
A recent study proposes that approximately 1,100 years ago, the Seattle region experienced a colossal earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8. This seismic event resulted from the simultaneous rupture of concealed fault lines, far surpassing the magnitude levels that current earthquake warnings anticipate from these fault zones. It has long been established that the Puget
A recent study has unveiled a grim prediction that suggests the impending formation of Earth’s next supercontinent, Pangaea Ultima, may lead to the extinction of mammals. Scientists conducted this research by modeling the heat tolerance of mammals in conjunction with Earth’s climatic conditions projected 250 million years into the future. Their findings suggest that the
In this week’s science news highlights, we delved into the intriguing origins of pink diamonds, unraveled the cosmic phenomenon of nuclear ‘pasta’ forming within deceased stars, and marveled at the peculiar behavior of a slime-covered ‘penis’ mushroom. While the classic image of a diamond is typically crystal clear, Australia’s Argyle formation has gifted us with
While our gaze frequently turns skyward in search of otherworldly wonders among the stars, planets, and moons, it’s easy to forget that our very own Earth boasts an array of extraordinary landscapes and structures that could easily serve as settings for a science-fiction masterpiece. Here, we present 15 of our most cherished terrestrial marvels: 1.
Researchers have unearthed a novel virus residing within the Mariana Trench, marking it as potentially the deepest viral discovery to date. This virus, designated as vB_HmeY_H4907, was detected at an astounding depth of 29,199 feet (8,839 meters) within the Mariana Trench, which plunges to depths of approximately 36,000 feet (11,000 meters) in the Pacific Ocean’s
The presence of pink diamonds on Earth may be attributed to the fragmentation of the planet’s initial supercontinent. The primary source of 90% of the world’s pink diamonds, the Argyle formation located in Western Australia, stands out as an unusual site for diamond mining. Unlike most diamond mines that are typically found in the heart
