编号 12 (2022)

Visual analysis of characteristic morphological features using geoinformation systems and remote sensing data revealed new ring structures. Such structures are usually clearly visible on aerial and satellite images, geological and geomorphological maps. The decryption of aerial photographs, the use of space data, and forecasts made on their basis have to be confirmed by field research materials: the search for cosmic matter and asteroid craters. A full cycle of research and field work on the study of geomorphology, lithology, petrography, collecting samples and their subsequent in-lab processing provide a possibility to reveal the nature of ring structures. The natural ring structures of Mongolia with their vivid morphological features are of great importance for science and education, and may be interesting for thematic tourism.

Minerals of the sodalite-group are aluminosilicates with cubic framework structure and cages with different cations, anions, anionic groups, and water molecules. This article reports recent discovery of two sodalite group members from the Lovozero massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia and paleovolcano Eifel, Germany. The new mineral sapozhnikovite, Na8(Al6Si6O24)(HS)2, is the first member of the sodalite group containing the HS– anion as a species-defining component. The new mineral bolotinaite, ideally (Na6K )(Al6Si6O24)F·4H2O is the first member of this group that contains F– anion as a species-defining component.

The 2022 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Svante Pääbo, a pioneer in paleogenetic research “for his discoveries concerning the genomes of extinct hominins and human evolution”. Svante Pääbo significantly contributed to the development of methods for studying ancient DNA. The discoveries of Pääbo and his team clarify the modern view on the evolution of Homo sapiens and its relationship with other extinct Homo species, provide possibilities to reconstruct the lifestyle features of ancient people, and contribute to paleontology, paleoecology, and medicine. The award recognizes not only the personal scientific merits of Svante Pääbo, but also the entire field of paleogenetics, which for many years was thought to be of no practical value, but only used to lift the veil on the ancient events of the genetic history of mankind.