Earth Sciences

Seismicity decreases with depth, though it turns to increase in the mantle transition zone. It has been believed that pressure-induced phase transitions of olivine are the cause of high seismicity in the mantle transition zone. We experimentally showed that a diffusionless phase transition of olivine to poirierite triggers faulting. Our findings provide a natural explanation for the cause of high seismicity in the strongly deformed areas of ‘cold’ deep subducted slabs.

Elastic wave velocity measurements on a lunar orthopyroxene aggregate suggest the lunar upper mantle is more enriched in iron than previous estimates.

New framework shows how body size, lifespan and mobility can help predict winners and losers in nature

International research collaboration develops smarter reuse of past forecasts to improve subseasonal heat predictions—without extra computation

Asian turtles face a severe conservation crisis caused by illegal poaching and the wildlife trade. Supported by Ocean Park and the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong, Lingnan University is hosting the inaugural International Conference on Integrated Conservation of Asian Turtles (ICAT) from today, 27 March, through 30 March 2026. The conference, attended by 180 leading scholars, scientists, zookeepers, veterinarians, policymakers, educators, and other experts from 19 countries and regions will examine the latest research findings and practical conservation, as well as strategies to combat the illegal poaching of Asian turtles, and enhance protection for endangered species.

Observations of the Rimae Bode region on the Moon reveal five distinct types of terrain and identify several potential landing sites for China’s first crewed mission, according to research published in Nature Astronomy.

The oldest-known articulated bony fish and an early example of teeth from a bony fish have been detected in a collection of fossils from China. Two Nature papers offer new insights into the origins of bony fish.

An Osaka Metropolitan University-led research team used hourly precipitation data from 1981 to 2020 and spatial modeling to predict extreme precipitation events for the next 100 years in Japan.

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) formalized strategic partnerships to enhance the use of Space Science, Technology, and Applications (SSTA) to advance environmental protection, sustainable development, and evidence-based policymaking, including for the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

More thorough testing of methane and ethane emissions in Osaka, Japan, identified numerous natural gas-related large methane sources that were mostly overlooked in current predictions. These sources may be useful future targets for mitigating emissions.

A study finds that shelterbelts, trees planted as windbreaks, in Japan’s wet farmlands boost edge-dwelling bird population but cut grassland species by about 74%, with numbers rebounding roughly a kilometer away, revealing an overlooked conservation trade-off.

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo track the global circulation of water molecules in time and space using isotope ensemble modeling, enabling better prediction of changing hydrological patterns and weather extremes

Using a new method to track groundwater levels and greenhouse gas emissions, researchers uncover the climate impact of Southeast Asia’s peatlands.

Sticky life beginnings. Precarious pitcher plant, Breaking the cobalt "cage", Toxic algae killer & “Pure-bred” stem cell medium. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice. Plus Asia Research News 2026 is out now and SciCom Coffee talk by Rachael Smith at Wellcome Sanger Institute.

Region-specific residential buildings solution optimizes energy-efficiency and thermal comfort

Yasuhiro Iba and his colleagues use complex imaging systems to reveal the secrets of Earth’s ancient creatures.

Myanmar’s digital ecosystem has been a lifeline for many, from education to community and humanitarian support, bringing a sense of stability in the midst of chaos. Alas, it is also a tool for repression, crime, and abuse. IDRC’s Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar has supported researchers looking into these complex issues.

Scientists from City University of Hong Kong and collaborators from more than 20 countries are taking FIRST steps towards safeguarding communities most affected by climate change.

Prof Li Liangliang, Associate Professor of the Wu Jieh Yee School of Interdisciplinary Studies (WJYSIS) at Lingnan University, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the research and development of new materials chemistry. This honour highlights WJYSIS’s academic influence and value in promoting sustainable development through interdisciplinary innovation and real-world impact.

From icy seas to humid forests, research collaborations between the United Kingdom and Malaysia are helping to advance our understanding of diseases, develop vaccines and antibiotics, preserve precious habitats and address the challenge of plastic waste.

A decade-long study of Northern Taiwan's cities reveals that heat risk inequality evolves with urbanisation characteristics and the connection between green space deficit and heat risk was not a general phenomenon.

The seismic ultralow velocity zones critically affect the regional thermochemical structures at both sides of the core-mantle boundary, and possibly the geomagnetic evolution of our planet.

A new regional assessment shows that Southeast Asia is a major net source of greenhouse gases, with land-use change and rising fossil fuel use overwhelming natural carbon sinks, reservoirs that store carbon-containing chemical compounds for a long period.

Mutated baker’s yeast at the forefront of alternative 2,3-butanediol production methods

A Filipino-led team of international researchers has developed a physics-based algorithm that could train AI to greatly improve weather forecasts.

Sea salt aerosols are an important, chemically-reactive contributor to air quality when their components interact with the already polluted city air, particularly in Metro Manila.

Surface-bound gels may have provided the structure and chemistry for life to take root on Earth, and perhaps beyond

The Philippines remains mired in import dependence despite years of government support.

Untangling cosmic knots, Samurai jellyfish, Controlling rogue antibodies, Search for anti-ulcer vaccine & Metal-recovering yeast. Plus next SciCom coffee talk on experiences in science journalism in the AI era and WHO guide to reporting on non communicable diseases. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

To protect the diverse marine ecosystems in the Asia-Pacific region, we need to understand the full picture via collaborative data integration efforts across institutes and different disciplines.