Is Arctic Warming Behind a Monster Saharan Dust Storm?
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 1 December 2020
The 2020 “Godzilla” Sahara dust storm, the largest on record, was fueled by strong subtropical highs and Arctic-linked wind patterns. Scripps’ Amato Evan and colleagues found it may reshape understanding of dust’s role in climate and hurricanes.
Keywords: Sahara dust, Godzilla storm, Scripps, hurricanes, Arctic sea ice
New Study Helps Pinpoint When Earth’s Plate Subduction Began
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 9 December 2020
A study led by Scripps’ Sarah Aarons suggests plate subduction began 3.75 billion years ago. Titanium isotopes in ancient Acasta Gneiss rocks reveal early Earth processes that shaped continents and helped create conditions for life.
Keywords: plate tectonics, subduction, Scripps, Acasta Gneiss, early Earth, titanium isotopes
Researchers Identify Natural Products with Potential Efficacy Against Coronavirus, Ebola, and Other Lethal Viruses
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 4 January 2021
UC San Diego researchers reviewed RNA virus families (coronaviruses, flaviviruses, filoviruses) and identified natural products with antiviral potential. Marine compounds may inspire future treatments for pandemics like COVID-19, Ebola, and Zika.
Keywords: RNA viruses, natural products, antivirals, pandemics, marine compounds, UC San Diego
