Microscopic views of individual
magnetite crystals found in martian meteorite ALH 84001.
Another NASA research group, led by Kathie Thomas - Keprta of NASA's Johnson Space Center, report in the same issue of PNAS that
the magnetite crystals inside the meteorite are similar to those formed by «modern» magnetotactic bacteria now living on Earth.
An international team of researchers has discovered compelling evidence that
the magnetite crystals in the martian meteorite ALH84001 are of biological origin.
Magnetite crystals of a similar size that are grown at a lower temperature and under normal pressure are only very weakly magnetic.
But in 2003 two papers noted that there are other ways to make
magnetite crystals, such as slamming a rock from space onto the Martian surface.
Not exact matches
Tarduno's new results are based on the record of magnetic field strength fixed within
magnetite found within zircon
crystals collected from the Jack Hills of Western Australia.
Researchers have long known that migratory birds receive information about magnetic fields from a part of their upper beak called the
magnetite receptor, which contains iron - based magnetic
crystals.
These might be based on
crystals of
magnetite, which align with the Earth's magnetic field and could pull on some kind of stretch receptor or hair - like cell as it changes polarity.
One group argues that tiny
crystals of a magnetic mineral known as
magnetite, which is found in the brains of some birds and in bacteria, are key.
Thomas - Keprta also identified tiny
crystals of
magnetite overlapping the globules.
New 2017 S550 Convertible in
Magnetite Black w / designo
Crystal Grey / Black Nappa Leather, Premium, Sport, Warmth & Comfort, Driver Assistance, 19» AMG Sport Wheels.