Ancient Mars had conditions favorable for life due to widespread liquid water on its surface, but its climate has since turned frigid and inhospitable. NASA’s Curiosity rover, exploring Gale Crater, is uncovering details about this transformation. By analyzing carbon-rich minerals (carbonates) with its Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) and Tunable Laser Spectrometer (TLS), scientists are gaining insights into how Mars’s ancient climate changed from habitable to its current harsh state.
How Mars became unhabitable?
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Novel material can convert CO₂ into fuel
Hybrid Tincone Material Enhances Stability and Electrochemical Performance
Researchers have developed a stable metalcone thin film for converting atmospheric CO₂ into methanol, a liquid fuel. By mildly annealing tincone at 250°C, they improved its stability in aqueous solutions while enhancing its electrochemical properties. This breakthrough overcomes a major challenge in using Metalcones for carbon reduction applications. The next step involves integrating this engineered material into real-world systems to assess its efficiency in CO₂ conversion. This innovation paves the way for more sustainable fuel production and advances in photoelectrochemical applications.
Martian Clues to Life? NASA Rover Finds Large Organic Molecules on...
Discovery of Hydrocarbons Strengthens Case for Ancient Habitability
NASA’s Curiosity rover has detected the largest organic molecules ever found on Mars—decane, undecane, and dodecane. These hydrocarbons, believed to be fragments of fatty acids, suggest that Mars' organic chemistry may have been more complex than previously thought. The findings support the possibility that ancient Mars had the right conditions for life. Scientists emphasize the need to bring samples back to Earth for deeper analysis, as Curiosity's instruments may not detect even larger, more complex molecules that could further reveal Mars’ potential for past life.
A cost-effective catalyst to revolutionize hydrogen production
A low-cost palladium-based nanosheet
Researchers from the Tokyo University of Science developed a new catalyst called bis(diimino)palladium coordination nanosheets (PdDI). These low-cost palladium-based nanosheets perform as well as platinum in producing hydrogen. Created using a simple synthesis process with minimal precious metals, the nanosheets reduce metal usage and lower hydrogen production costs.
Our breathing affects our vision
Breathing shapes what we see.
A study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that breathing influences pupil size. The pupil is smallest during inhalation and largest during exhalation. This effect is always present and doesn't require external stimuli. Breathing's impact on brain activity and cognitive functions suggests this could help regulate vision and attention.
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