EurekAlert! News by Subject: Earth Science - News by Subject: Earth Science

Earth Science

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 28-Oct-2025 20:11 ET (29-Oct-2025 00:11 GMT/UTC)

Waxing and waning prairie: new study unravels causes of ancient climate changes

University of Helsinki
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A long period of drought in North America has been recognized by scientists for decades. A new study links the severe climate to a change in Earth's orbit.

Journal: Nature Communications
Funder: Academy of Finland, Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development (FORMAS), Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet), U.S. National Science Foundation

Janice R. Lachance, J.D., FASAE selected for top position of global earth and space science association

American Geophysical Union
Business Announcement

The American Geophysical Union Board of Directors and Executive Search Committee is pleased to announce AGU’s new Executive Director and CEO will be Janice R. Lachance, J.D., Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives and the National Academy of Public Administration.

Biologists create a one-stop shop for world’s most charismatic plants

Florida Museum of Natural History
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The Florida Museum of Natural History has partnered with 35 herbarium collections across the United States to create a web portal for the world's most charismatic plants.

Journal: Applications in Plant Sciences

Reporting and representation of race and ethnicity in clinical trials of pharmacotherapy for mental disorders

JAMA Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

About The Study: The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that differences in reporting race and ethnicity across geographic locations and underrepresentation of certain racial and ethnic groups in U.S.-based randomized clinical trials highlight the need for international guidelines to ensure equitable recruitment and reporting in clinical trials.

Journal: JAMA Psychiatry

T. rex’s direct ancestor crossed from Asia to North America

University College London
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Tyrannosaurus rex evolved in North America, but its direct ancestor came from Asia, crossing a land bridge connecting the continents more than 70 million years ago, according to a new study led by UCL (University College London) researchers.

Journal: Royal Society Open Science

Slickrock: USU geologists explore why Utah's Wasatch Fault is vulnerable to earthquakes

Utah State University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Using rock samples collected from the Wasatch Fault, Utah State University geoscientists combined experiments and analysis in USU's Rock Deformation and Earthquake Mechanics lab with examinations of fault rock textures at USU’s Microscopy Core Facility. The USU team's research revealed significant clues about the Wasatch Fault’s earthquake risk.

Journal: Geology
Funder: U.S. Geological Survey

Cutting greenhouse gases will reduce number of deaths from poor air quality

University of Leeds
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Up to 250,000 deaths from poor air quality could be prevented annually in central and western Europe by 2050 if greenhouse gas emissions are drastically reduced, say researchers.

Journal: Earth's Future