Bacteria "Feed" on Earth's Ocean-Bottom Crust

Seafloor bacteria on ocean-bottom rocks are more abundant and diverse than previously thought, appearing to "feed" on the planet's oceanic crust, according to results of a study reported in this week's issue of the journal Nature. The findings pose intriguing questions about ocean chemistry and the co-evolution of Earth and life.Once considered a barren plain dotted with hydrothermal vents, the seafloor's rocky regions appear to be teeming with ... More at http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=111587&govDel=USNSF_51 This is an NSF News item.

Methane Release Could Cause Abrupt, Far-Reaching Climate Change

An abrupt release of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, from ice sheets that extended to Earth's low latitudes some 635 million years ago caused a dramatic shift in climate, scientists funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) report in this week's issue of the journal Nature.The shift triggered events that resulted in global warming and an ending of the last "snowball" ice age.The researchers believe that the methane was released gradually at first ... More at http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=111554&govDel=USNSF_51 This is an NSF News item.

Hold the Old Lace: Arsenic and Iron Material Is a Remarkable Superconductor

It may not be what Cary Grant had in mind when he uncovered his elderly aunts' recipe for doing away with lonely bachelors in the classic film, "Arsenic and Old Lace." But superconductors discovered a few months ago by scientists in Japan are displaying remarkable properties that present real mysteries to materials scientists.The new class of materials that exhibit superconductivity at relatively high temperatures contain no copper-oxygen layers. Instead they ... More at http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=111606&govDel=USNSF_51 This is an NSF News item.