Infrared Dark Clouds (IRDCs) are dark clouds seen in silhouette in mid-infrared surveys. They are thought to be the birthplace of massive stars, yet remarkably little information exists on the properties of the population as a whole (e.g. mass spectrum, spatial distribution). Genetic forward modelling is used along with the Two Micron All Sky Survey and the Besançon Galactic model to deduce the...

The end-Triassic mass extinction (ETME) was associated with intensified deep-water anoxia in epicontinental seas and mid-depth waters, yet the absolute oxygenation state shallow ocean is uncharacterized. Here we report carbonate-associated iodine data from peritidal Mount Sparagio section (Southern Italy) that documents ETME (~ 200 Ma) western Tethys. We find a sharp drop carbonate I/(Ca + Mg) ...