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Ancient Climate Insights: Research on Desert Plant Isotopes

3/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Professor Zachary Sharp of the University of New Mexico leads research showing that the smooth horsetail Equisetum laevigatum distills water, concentrating heavy oxygen isotopes.
Meanwhile, the data clarifies isotope measurements in modern desert plants and underpins reconstructing ancient climates with fossilized silica phytoliths.
The isotopic model enables scientists to analyze humidity and climate conditions dating back to the time of dinosaurs.

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Story summary

Professor Zachary Sharp of the University of New Mexico leads research showing that the smooth horsetail Equisetum laevigatum distills water, concentrating heavy oxygen isotopes.
Meanwhile, the data clarifies isotope measurements in modern desert plants and underpins reconstructing ancient climates with fossilized silica phytoliths.
The isotopic model enables scientists to analyze humidity and climate conditions dating back to the time of dinosaurs.