Methane release could cause abrupt, far-reaching climate change May 30, 2008
The researchers believe that the methane was released gradually at first and then very quickly from clathrates--methane ice that forms and stabilizes beneath ice sheets. When the ice sheets became unstable, they collapsed, releasing pressure on the clathrates ... The clathrates then began to de-gas. (Hindu)
Methane Bubble To Cause Abrupt Climate Change? May 29, 2008
The researchers posit that the methane was released gradually at first and then in abundance from clathrates -- methane ice that forms and stabilizes beneath ice sheets under specific temperatures and pressures. When the ice sheets became unstable, they collapsed, releasing pressure on the clathrates which began to degas ... According to the study, methane clathrate destabilization acted as a runaway feedback to increased warming, and was the tipping point that ended the last snowball Earth. (Science Daily)
Vasodilative effects of prostaglandin E1 derivate on arteries of nerve roots in a canine model of a chronically compressed cauda equina Apr 8, 2008
OP-1206-cyclodextrin clathrate (OP-1206-CD: prostaglandin E1 derivate) was administered orally. The blood vessels of the second or third sacral nerve root were identified using a specially designed surgical microscope equipped with a video camera. (BioMed Central)
Frigid Enceladus: An unlikely harbor for life Aug 15, 2007
In this model, the plumes originate in the dissociation of certain stiff compounds of ice, called clathrates, which may cover Enceladus to a depth of tens of kilometers ... By examining the deformation of a clathrate-rich shell containing a mildly warm heat source buried under the south pole, the researchers show it is possible for a frigid, stiff Enceladus without a shifting interior (such as plate tectonics on Earth) to develop fractures and ridges, and convey heat at the observed rate ... As... (EurekAlert!)
Saturn holds a tiny secret Jul 23, 2007
Gases seen in the plumes may simply be trapped in ice "clathrates." When the cracks shift, the ice may be exposed to space's vacuum, giving the gases enough "oomph" to escape from the lattice-like cages. All the theories match the data to some extent, Dombard says, but none fully explains the source of the heat needed to power the geysers. (USA Today -- Tech)
Stanley L. Miller dies May 25, 2007
He also worked on the natural occurrence of clathrate hydrates, the mechanism of the action of general anesthetics, and the thermodynamics of bioorganic compounds. He held his graduate students to high standards. (The Scientist)
Solid-state methanol proposed for fuel cells Feb 9, 2007
which specializes in water treatment, developed solid-state methanol making use of a clathrate compound technology fostered in its main water business ... In a clathrate compound technology, a guest compound is trapped in a solid state host compound. (EETimes)
