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A remarkable discovery of dinosaur footprints has reportedly been made at Dewars Farm Quarry, Oxfordshire, marking the largest site of its kind ever found in the UK. More than 200 massive tracks, estimated to be 166 million years old, have been uncovered, offering insights into the movements of ancient creatures, as per the report. These footprints are said to be imprinted on a limestone surface, include tracks attributed to a long-necked sauropod, believed to be Cetiosaurus, and the carnivorous Megalosaurus. Some trackways extend up to 150 metres, with potential for more footprints to emerge upon further excavation.

Findings and Research

As reported by BBC, the footprints were first identified by Gary Johnson, a quarry worker, who observed unusual ridges while operating heavy machinery. A closer inspection revealed repeating patterns consistent with dinosaur tracks. This prompted a large-scale excavation involving scientists, students and volunteers during the summer.

Emma Nicholls, vertebrate palaeontologist at Oxford University Museum of Natural History, told BBC about the clarity of the three-toed prints, which are thought to belong to Megalosaurus. These creatures, known for their agility, were prominent predators in the Jurassic period, measuring up to 9 metres in length. Tracks linked to sauropods, which were herbivores spanning up to 18 metres, were also identified, resembling oversized elephant footprints.

Preservation and Study

Researchers believe the tracks were preserved by a sudden natural event, possibly a storm, which buried them under sediment. This allowed the footprints to remain intact over millions of years. Detailed analyses, including 3D modelling and casting, have been undertaken to document the site thoroughly.

Prof Richard Butler, palaeobiologist at the University of Birmingham, told the publication that such trackways offer unique insights into the behaviour and environment of prehistoric animals, complementing fossil records. Collaborative efforts with the quarry operators and conservation groups are ongoing to explore preservation options.

With additional footprints potentially waiting to be uncovered, this site remains a significant find, providing a tangible connection to Earth’s distant past.

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Crystal Cooling Technology Could Change How We Cool Fridges and AC Units

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January 5, 2025

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Crystal Cooling Technology Could Change How We Cool Fridges and AC Units

A novel crystal-based technology has been identified as a potential solution for sustainable cooling systems. Current refrigeration and air conditioning devices rely on liquid-based systems to absorb heat through evaporation and condensation. While effective, these fluids contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions when leaked, intensifying global warming. Efforts to counteract this environmental impact have led to the development of an alternative cooling mechanism based on plastic crystals, which possess a unique molecular structure capable of transforming under pressure.

How the Technology Works

According to researchers at Deakin University, plastic crystals exhibit a transformative ability when subjected to extreme pressure. Their molecular orientation shifts from a disordered state to a structured grid, absorbing heat as the pressure is released. This heat absorption process facilitates cooling, providing a climate-friendly alternative to traditional refrigerants.

Unlike earlier materials, which required high ambient temperatures for similar transitions, the newly developed crystals operate effectively between -37 degree Celsius and 10 degree Celsius. This range aligns with typical household refrigeration and freezing needs, presenting a significant step forward in sustainable cooling technologies.

Challenges in Implementation

According to a New Scientist report, high-pressure requirements, equivalent to conditions thousands of metres underwater, remain a major hurdle for practical application. Dr. Jenny Pringle, a lead researcher in the study, acknowledged this limitation and emphasised the need for further development to address these constraints.

Concerns have also been raised by experts about the long-term performance of these crystals. Bing Li, affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, pointed out the potential reduction in heat absorption capacity over time due to molecular strain, while expressing optimism about future advancements.

Potential Impact

David Boldrin from the University of Glasgow told the publication about the significant potential of this innovation, suggesting that it could help decarbonise the cooling industry. While the technology remains confined to laboratory settings, its success could herald a substantial reduction in the environmental footprint of refrigeration systems.

Experts remain hopeful that continued research will overcome current obstacles, bringing this promising solution closer to widespread adoption.

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Solar Missions in 2025: The Spacecrafts That Will Study the Sun This Year

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January 5, 2025

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Solar Missions in 2025: The Spacecrafts That Will Study the Sun This Year

The study of the Sun and its influence on the solar system is expected to make significant strides in 2025. The year will bring new developments driven by an active solar cycle, upcoming spacecraft missions, and a strategic roadmap for the next decade. Researchers are focused on unlocking key mysteries of the sun, whose activity impacts life on Earth and extends far beyond Pluto. These efforts aim to provide critical insights into solar processes and their effects across the solar system.

Solar Cycle 25 and Ongoing Activity

According to NASA, the Sun is currently in the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle. This period has produced numerous solar flares and outbursts that are being closely monitored. Instruments such as the largest solar telescope and spacecraft that have made record-setting approaches to the sun have played a key role in collecting data. Despite not breaking records, Solar Cycle 25 has generated valuable observations that have propelled research forward.

Upcoming Spacecraft Missions

As per NASA, six new missions are scheduled for launch in 2025. These include the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP), designed to chart the sun’s outer sphere of influence, and the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE), which will study space weather around Mars. The Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission, involving four small satellites, will examine the sun’s outer atmosphere.

A Decadal Blueprint for Research

The recently released heliophysics decadal report outlines research priorities for the next ten years. Among the proposals are two large-scale projects, including a mission deploying over 26 spacecraft to study Earth’s magnetic field and auroras. Another mission aims to explore the sun’s poles over a full solar cycle, a region considered pivotal to understanding the sun’s magnetic field dynamics.

Efforts will also be supported by the Next Generation Global Oscillations Network Group (ngGONG), enhancing the capability to study the solar interior. With these initiatives, heliophysics is positioned to address long-standing questions and open new research avenues in 2025.

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New Study Uncovers Vital Ocean Processes for Carbon Storage and Climate Regulation

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Researchers Reveal Crucial Ocean Processes That Help Fight Climate Change

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15 hours ago

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January 5, 2025

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Researchers Reveal Crucial Ocean Processes That Help Fight Climate Change

Organic carbon preservation in ocean sediments, a phenomenon critical to the Earth’s carbon cycle, has been illuminated by new research. The study explores mechanisms that prevent organic carbon from breaking down, a process vital for climate regulation. Preserved carbon, over time, can transform into fossil fuels, locking away carbon dioxide—a leading contributor to climate change. These findings offer insights into the Earth’s natural systems that regulate carbon levels and influence the formation of oil and gas reserves.

Study Identifies Key Carbon Preservation Mechanisms

According to a study led by scientists from The University of Manchester and the University of Leeds and published in the journal Nature Geoscience, two primary processes—sorption and molecular transformation—are crucial for carbon storage in ocean sediments.

Sorption involves the uptake of carbon by mineral surfaces, while molecular transformation converts small, reactive molecules into larger, stable forms. The study used a comprehensive model, integrating real-world sediment data, to identify these processes as dominant contributors to carbon preservation.

AI Provides Deeper Insights into Carbon Storage

Artificial intelligence (AI) was utilised to enhance the study’s model, enabling accurate predictions of carbon storage efficiency. Dr. Peyman Babakhani, a lead researcher, highlighted that AI helped clarify complex environmental processes. The research revealed that carbon preservation in sediments is nearly three times higher than earlier estimates, aligning closely with observed data.

Implications for Climate Change Mitigation

The findings underline the importance of sorption and molecular transformation in protecting organic matter from degradation and facilitating its burial in deeper sediment layers. This preserved carbon can eventually become fossil fuels, effectively keeping carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. These insights could influence climate change strategies, such as ocean fertilisation, aimed at enhancing natural carbon storage mechanisms.

By shedding light on these processes, the study opens pathways for managing carbon emissions and leveraging the ocean’s role in the global carbon cycle.

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