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No 8 (2021)
Digital Fluorescence Microscopy: New Analytical Tool for Studying Microorganisms
Abstract
Over the last twenty years, fluorescence microscopy has transformed from a subjective visual method to an objective analytical approach, digital fluorescence microscopy (DFM). The real reasons for this are innovations related to modernization of microscopes, computer processing and analysis of digital images, as well as the usage of new fluorophores and methods for their introduction into the cells of microorganisms. DFM has provided fundamentally new possibilities for the study of microorganisms, which allows obtaining unique data on the localization and dynamics of intracellular processes within the study of single cells of microorganisms at the subcellular level.
Priroda. 2021;(8):3-15
3-15
Palysepioles: about a New Mineral of the Palygorskite—Sepiolite Family
Abstract
Layer silicates with a core of three layered endless two- and one-dimensional blocks are widespread in nature. This paper considers families with hybride blocks that combine two- and one-dimensional fragments. The Palysepiole family unites minerals of the Palygorskite and Sepiolite groups, as well as their transitional groups. The crystallochemical diversity of the members of the Palysepiole family results from the variations in the chemical composition of blocks, their geometric characteristics, as well as the topology and symmetry of their structural arrangements. A sample of a new representative of the Palysepiole family, Ca-Tuperssuatsiaite from Namibia, has been studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The new mineral is compared with others members of this family.
Priroda. 2021;(8):16-26
16-26
Rheological Processes in the Earth’s Crust
Abstract
Rheological properties of the material composition of various geological structures characterize their geodynamic relationships and reflect the post-Alpine tectonic flow of mountain masses. This manifests itself in the form of numerous inhomogeneities, expressed as structural (block) and structureless (inseparable, plastic) formations. Continents and oceans, platforms and mobile belts, ore and barren areas are closely related to the morphostructure of modern relief, emphasizing the geodynamic relationship between form and content, space and time. The driving force of rheological transformations is thermodynamic plastic geomass, which originates from the bowels of the Earth. The interaction of subcrustal (plastic) and crustal (rigid) formations leads to stratification (fragmentation) of the latter and their displacement by thermodynamic, plastic geomass over considerable distances both vertically and horizontally (with the preferential horizontal component). The territory of Central Asia is characterized by the predominance of a flat relief over an elevated one. The rheological regularity in the position of geological formations, including ore ones, has been established. Thus, the most competent (hard) formations compose predominantly elevated areas of the relief, while plastic ones correlate with its leveled part. The ore mineral complex, with viscoelastic deformation properties, is on an intermediate position. Ore areas with large industrial facilities such as Almalyk and Kyzylkum are located at the end joints of structures predominantly of pre-Mesozoic Age (Southern and Central Tien Shan) with Mesozoic-Cenozoic and Quaternary complexes. This may indicate the rupture of ore-bearing structures in sites of the greatest accumulation of mineral matter, which is confirmed by the wide development of ruptured faults at ore objects, allegedly “controlling” the location of ore fields, deposits, and ore bodies.
Priroda. 2021;(8):27-37
27-37
The Volga-Akhtuba Floodplain: a Unique Ecosystem under the Anthropogenic Pressure
Abstract
The Volga-Akhtuba floodplain is an oasis in the middle of arid semi-deserts and steppes. Here, among numerous lakes, oxbows, and channels, vast forests and flooded forb meadows spread out. The special microclimate of the floodplain is characterized by high humidity, comfortable summers, and mild winters. For residents of Volgograd Oblast floodplain landscapes are of great ecological, natural, balneological, recreational, and agricultural importance. However the regulated flow of the Volga, the proximity of a large city, and an uncontrolled influx of tourists preclude conservation of the unique nature of the interfluve. Conservation requires a whole range of environmental protection measures. The creation of the Volgo-Akhtuba Floodplain Biosphere Reserve in 2000 facilitate solutions to a number of environmental problems in the area, although the valuable wetland ecosystem is still under threat.
Priroda. 2021;(8):38-48
38-48
Return of the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs: Antediluvian Animals of B.W.Hawkins
Abstract
The sculptures of extinct animals, installed in the park of the Crystal Palace in London in 1854, were the first such reconstructions and reflected the achievements of paleontology in the first half of the 19th century. Created by the sculptor and naturalist B.W.Hawkins under the guidance of the famous paleontologist R.Owen, these reconstructions for half a century were a model for depicting the animal world of the Earth’s past. Today the sculptures of the Crystal Palace Park are a unique monument of the history of science and again attract the attention of the general public.
Priroda. 2021;(8):49-61
49-61
Shadow of the Future: Shubnikov and Fersman. Letters of 1922–1924
Abstract
We present the second part of transcribed letters written in 1920–1924 from Yekaterinburg (Sverdlovsk) by A.V.Shubnikov and his wife O.M.Lebedeva-Shubnikova to Academician A.E.Fersman, as well as some comments on these letters. The letters discuss the life of the Department of Crystallography at the Ural State University, which included Institute of Mines, as well as crystallographic research, the organization of scientific work, and the difficult life of scientists during the reconstruction of our country after the Civil War. Unfortunately, by 1925 the situation in Sverdlovsk had changed vigorously, and the Shubnikovs were forced to leave the department they created and move to work in Leningrad, to the Mineralogical Museum of the USSR Academy of Sciences, where Alexei Shubnikov created a crystallography laboratory in which he gathered the best quartz specialists.
Priroda. 2021;(8):62-72
62-72
Contribute to the Success. In memory of Alexei Vladimirovich Byalko
Abstract
28 июля не стало Алексея Владимировича Бялко. Всем нам пока еще трудно поверить, что его больше нет с нами. Накануне он рецензировал статьи, в тот самый день написал и отправил несколько писем. Он готовил к публикации свою статью в этот номер… И вот номер выходит без его статьи. И без него. Первый номер без него за последние 28 лет.
Priroda. 2021;(8):73-75
73-75
76-79