Phys.org

Recent geological research has provided compelling evidence that the Green River’s unusual path through Utah’s Uinta Mountains was shaped by a process known as lithospheric dripping. This phenomenon, involving the sinking and subsequent rebound of dense material beneath the Earth’s crust, temporarily lowered the landscape, allowing the river to carve its deep canyon. Seismic imaging and data modeling identified a subsurface anomaly consistent with this process. These findings offer new insights into the evolution of North America’s river systems and highlight the broader significance of lithospheric drips in shaping continental landscapes.

A recent report highlights the significant potential of sandstone formations beneath the North Sea for carbon dioxide storage, supporting the UK’s carbon capture and storage (CCS) ambitions. These formations could play a key role in reducing emissions from major industrial sources by providing substantial storage capacity. Comprehensive geological assessments are underway to evaluate subsurface connectivity, pressure management, and the integrity of sealing layers, addressing both operational and regulatory challenges. Unlocking this resource is essential for meeting the UK’s target of storing 170 million metric tons of CO2 annually by 2050 and advancing national decarbonization efforts.

Generative AI is advancing materials science by streamlining the synthesis of complex materials. A new AI model, trained on decades of synthesis data, predicts effective synthesis pathways for materials such as zeolites, which are important for catalysis and absorption. This approach enables scientists to efficiently explore thousands of synthesis routes, significantly reducing the time required to develop new materials. The model’s ability to suggest multiple viable pathways marks a shift from traditional one-to-one mapping, offering greater flexibility and accelerating the transition from theoretical materials to practical applications. This methodology has potential for broader use across various material classes.

The recent identification of Foskeia pelendonum, a diminutive Early Cretaceous ornithopod from Spain, provides new insights into dinosaur evolution. Measuring just half a meter in length, Foskeia exhibits a highly derived skull and fills a significant evolutionary gap near the origin of the European Rhabdodontidae lineage. Histological analysis confirms adult status in the largest specimen, highlighting advanced anatomical features despite its small size. Phylogenetic analysis positions Foskeia alongside Australian Muttaburrasaurus, expanding the understanding of Rhabdodontomorpha and supporting the debated grouping of plant-eating dinosaurs, Phytodinosauria.

Recent findings have redefined the role of Replication Factor C (RFC) in DNA replication. Previously considered solely a clamp loader, RFC has now been shown to remain associated with the sliding clamp and polymerase, forming a stable complex that moves along DNA to ensure efficient and accurate genome duplication. This discovery challenges longstanding models and highlights the importance of non-catalytic protein functions in cellular processes. The insights gained may have implications for understanding the molecular basis of cancer and neurological disorders, and could inform future therapeutic strategies targeting DNA replication machinery.

Recent findings have identified a distinctive pattern in the evolution of signaling output genes, offering new insights into the origin and diversification of vertebrates. By analyzing gene sequencing data from sea squirts, lampreys, and frogs, researchers observed that vertebrates produce a greater diversity of protein forms from these genes compared to invertebrates. This evolutionary shift likely contributed to the increased complexity of vertebrates. The study also highlights the potential for these insights to inform future research on disease mechanisms and therapeutic development, given the central role of signaling pathways in animal development.

A recent study highlights that strategic tree planting along the northern edge of Canada’s boreal forest could remove at least five times the country’s annual carbon emissions. By planting approximately 6.4 million hectares of trees, an estimated 3.9 gigatonnes of CO₂ could be sequestered by 2100, with potential to reach 19 gigatonnes in optimal areas. The findings underscore the importance of targeted site selection, species diversity, and long-term management to maximize carbon and ecological benefits, supporting Canada’s carbon neutrality goals and commitments under the Paris Agreement. Further research will address impacts on permafrost and local ecosystems.

Recent studies highlight the potential of two-dimensional topological materials as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a critical process in fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Research on monolayer platinum bismuthide (PtBi₂) reveals that, under realistic electrochemical conditions, the catalyst surface forms a hydroxyl-induced electrochemical surface state. This reconstructed surface retains and even optimizes the material’s topological electronic properties, enhancing ORR activity, particularly in alkaline environments. These findings underscore the importance of considering both quantum topology and electrochemical surface chemistry in the design of next-generation clean energy catalysts.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Did You Feel It? (DYFI) platform transforms public reports of earthquake shaking into detailed maps used by disaster response agencies worldwide. A recent global assessment found that mobile access and social media significantly drive engagement, but language and technology barriers limit participation in some regions. Prioritizing outreach and language support in non-English speaking countries with high earthquake exposure and limited sensor coverage—such as China, Germany, and Indonesia—can enhance data quality and response. USGS is now expanding language options and optimizing mobile accessibility to address these gaps and improve global earthquake response.

A new AI-based technology leveraging large language models (LLMs) has been developed to redesign materials previously considered difficult to synthesize, transforming them into experimentally feasible forms. This approach, demonstrated by the SynCry framework, moves beyond prediction to practical redesign, successfully converting thousands of challenging structures into synthesizable candidates. Notably, a significant portion of these redesigned materials matched those already synthesized and reported in scientific literature, underscoring the model’s potential. This advancement is expected to accelerate the development of advanced materials, including semiconductors and battery components, by overcoming longstanding synthesis bottlenecks.