Dendritic crystallization in hydrous basaltic magmas controls magma mobility within the Earth's crust.

The majority of basaltic magmas stall in the Earth's crust as a result of the rheological evolution caused by crystallization during transport. However, the relationships between crystallinity, rheology and eruptibility remain uncertain because it is difficult to observe dynamic magma crystallization in real time. Here, we present in-situ 4D data for crystal growth kinetics and the textural evolution of pyroxene during crystallization of trachybasaltic magmas in high-temperature experiments under water-saturated conditions at crustal pressures.

The Influence of Glacial Cover on Riverine Silicon and Iron Exports in Chilean Patagonia.

Glaciated environments have been highlighted as important sources of bioavailable nutrients, with inputs of glacial meltwater potentially influencing productivity in downstream ecosystems. However, it is currently unclear how riverine nutrient concentrations vary across a spectrum of glacial cover, making it challenging to accurately predict how terrestrial fluxes will change with continued glacial retreat. Using 40 rivers in Chilean Patagonia as a unique natural laboratory, we investigate how glacial cover affects riverine Si and Fe concentrations, and infer how exports of these bioessential nutrients may change in the future.

In situ observation of nanolite growth in volcanic melt: A driving force for explosive eruptions.

Although gas exsolution is a major driving force behind explosive volcanic eruptions, viscosity is critical in controlling the escape of bubbles and switching between explosive and effusive behavior. Temperature and composition control melt viscosity, but crystallization above a critical volume (>30 volume %) can lock up the magma, triggering an explosion. Here, we present an alternative to this well-established paradigm by showing how an unexpectedly small volume of nano-sized crystals can cause a disproportionate increase in magma viscosity.

CO network formation in ultra-high pressure carbonate liquids.

Carbonate liquids are an important class of molten salts, not just for industrial applications, but also in geological processes. Carbonates are generally expected to be simple liquids, in terms of ionic interactions between the molecular carbonate anions and metal cations, and therefore relatively structureless compared to more "polymerized" silicate melts. But there is increasing evidence from phase relations, metal solubility, glass spectroscopy and simulations to suggest the emergence of carbonate "networks" at length scales longer than the component molecular anions.

Molybdenum systematics of subducted crust record reactive fluid flow from underlying slab serpentine dehydration.

Fluids liberated from subducting slabs are critical in global geochemical cycles. We investigate the behaviour of Mo during slab dehydration using two suites of exhumed fragments of subducted, oceanic lithosphere. Our samples display a positive correlation of δMo with Mo/Ce, from compositions close to typical mantle (-0.

Experimental leaching of massive sulphide from TAG active hydrothermal mound and implications for seafloor mining.

Seafloor massive sulphide samples from the Trans-Atlantic Geotraverse active mound on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge were characterised and subjected to leaching experiments to emulate proposed mining processes. Over time, leached Fe is removed from solution by the precipitation of Fe oxy-hydroxides, whereas Cu and Pb leached remained in solution at ppb levels. Results suggest that bulk chemistry is not the main control on leachate concentrations; instead mineralogy and/or galvanic couples between minerals are the driving forces behind the type and concentration of metals that remain in solution.

A pulse of mid-Pleistocene rift volcanism in Ethiopia at the dawn of modern humans.

The Ethiopian Rift Valley hosts the longest record of human co-existence with volcanoes on Earth, however, current understanding of the magnitude and timing of large explosive eruptions in this region is poor. Detailed records of volcanism are essential for interpreting the palaeoenvironments occupied by our hominin ancestors; and also for evaluating the volcanic hazards posed to the 10 million people currently living within this active rift zone. Here we use new geochronological evidence to suggest that a 200 km-long segment of rift experienced a major pulse of explosive volcanic activity between 320 and 170 ka.

The impact of 12 months treatment with ivacaftor on Scottish paediatric patients with cystic fibrosis with the G551D mutation: a review.

We reviewed the impact of ivacaftor on Scottish paediatric patients with cystic fibrosis ≥6 years of age after 12 months of treatment. Statistically significant improvements in FEV and body mass index and a reduction in sweat chloride, all comparable with previously published data were observed. The findings also suggested reduced use of intravenous antibiotics and oral antibiotics.

Slab melting as a barrier to deep carbon subduction.

Interactions between crustal and mantle reservoirs dominate the surface inventory of volatile elements over geological time, moderating atmospheric composition and maintaining a life-supporting planet. While volcanoes expel volatile components into surface reservoirs, subduction of oceanic crust is responsible for replenishment of mantle reservoirs. Many natural, 'superdeep' diamonds originating in the deep upper mantle and transition zone host mineral inclusions, indicating an affinity to subducted oceanic crust.

An observational study of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in cystic fibrosis.

Background: In cystic fibrosis (CF), cross-sectional studies have reported sputum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 to be elevated and negatively correlated with FEV1. This longitudinal study examined the association between MMP-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) to prognostic parameters in CF.

Method: A cross-sectional survey of CF and control subjects; CF patients were followed up for a median of 49 months.

Nasal epithelial cells as surrogates for bronchial epithelial cells in airway inflammation studies.

The nose is an attractive source of airway epithelial cells, particularly in populations in which bronchoscopy may not be possible. However, substituting nasal cells for bronchial epithelial cells in the study of airway inflammation depends upon comparability of responses, and evidence for this is lacking. Our objective was to determine whether nasal epithelial cell inflammatory mediator release and receptor expression reflect those of bronchial epithelial cells.