Subpermafrost aquifers are distinguished by their low stratum temperatures and pressures that approximate conventional hydrostatic pressures, rendering them suitable geological formations for the organization of underground gas storage facilities in a hydrate state. The design of such facilities requires the execution of experimental studies focused on hydrate formation within porous media. This paper examines the subpermafrost aquifers located in the Vilyui syneclise, where the hydrate stability zone covers Cretaceous and Jurassic deposits, specifically terrigenous-clayey strata. The mineralogical and granulometric composition, density, porosity, and moisture content, along with the presence of clays in the porous medium, influence the conditions conducive to hydrate formation. Therefore, the investigation of hydrate formation in clayey soils is a critical component that will support the development of underground gas storage facilities. To analyze the thermobaric conditions associated with hydrate formation, the method of differential thermal analysis was employed. The samples of porous media comprised clayey soils with varying moisture content, ranging from 15% to 40%. The results indicate that in soils with a moisture content of 20% or greater, a mechanical mixture of hydrates consisting of nearly pure methane and gases with higher molecular weights is produced. Additionally, it was observed that an increase in the moisture content of clay soils correlates with a decrease in the kinetic characteristics of hydrate formation. Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that porous media characterized by clay layers with minimal moisture content are optimal for the establishment of underground gas storage facilities in a hydrated state.  

This article presents data on rare earth element (REE) minerals, highlighting their typochemical characteristics and the specific geological conditions that promote their formation. The minerals investigated in this study originate from the metamorphic carbonaceous volcanogenic-sedimentary and sedimentary deposits found in the Manyukuyakhinskaya suite (RF 3 ), located in the Engane-Pe Ridge within the Arctic regions of the Ural Mountains. The study identifies several REE-bearing minerals across all examined rock types, including allanite-(Ce), monazite-(Ce), and xenotime-(Y). Notably, within the metapelites of the Engane-Pe Range, the rare earth fluorocarbonate synchysite-(Ce) and a rare variety of hydrated thorite with increased contents of REE, phosphorus (P), and arsenic (As) have been documented for the first time. The chemical formula for this specific variety of thorite is represented as follows: (Th_0,44–0,55Y_0,21–0,24Сa_0,11–0,12Zr_0,08–0,09Се_0,04Fе_0,03–0,04Nd_0,03U_0,05Yb_0,01–0,02Gd_0,01)_{Σ1,05–1,11}(Si_0,70–0,72P_0,19–0,20As_0,06V_0,03)_Σ1O₄OH. Moreover, a rare-earth water-containing silicate, known as krizeyite , has been discovered in association with carbonates in volcanic-sedimentary rocks from the Engane-Pe Ridge. In addition, an aqueous silicate containing copper, lead, and iron, referred to as krizeyite, has been observed on the surface of chalcopyrite. The investigation of typomorphic and crystallochemical characteristics has enabled the development of a schematic representation illustrating the evolutionary processes that influence the compositions of REE-bearing minerals within the studied formations. The primary minerals that concentrate REE and thorium (Th) in the sedimentary and volcanogenic-sedimentary carbonaceous rocks of the Manyukuyakhinskaya suite include zircon, apatite, allanite-(Ce), monazite-(Ce), and xenotime-(Y). Hydrothermal-metamorphic transformations of the rocks resulted in the redeposition of REE, leading to the formation of distinct mineral forms such as thorite, synchysite-(Ce), and kainosite-(Y), along with hydrothermally modified grains and rims of monazite-(Ce) and xenotime-(Y).

The study reports on the application of machine learning methods for predicting gold mineralization in the prospecting phase of geological exploration. It focuses on the Verkhneamginsky alkaline massif, situated within the Aldan-Stanovoy Shield, as a case study. The investigation included the analysis of 403 ore samples, which were evaluated through Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) to determine the concentrations of 25 chemical elements. A total of eight classification algorithms were assessed in this investigation, including Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Neural Network (Multilayer Perceptron), Boosting (AdaBoost), Decision Tree, K-Nearest Neighbors, Linear Discriminant Analysis, and Naive Bayes. The Random Forest and Support Vector Machine algorithms demonstrated the highest accuracy, achieving 89.6%, by identifying the relationships among ore elements (Au, Ag, As, Cu, Sb) and those elements that displayed negative correlations (Mg, Ca, Ti). These results were further validated through Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. In the process of developing the machine learning model, the values corresponding to the “ore” factor for each sample were designated as the target variable, while serving as predictors. To enable a comparative analysis between the parameters of established entities and the predicted regions, anomalous fields of the “ore” factor values were constructed. Additionally, machine learning methods enable the rapid and reliable interpretation of virtually any geochemical analytical data in the field, including data obtained through modern spectrometry methods and portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers. The research further underscores the significance of integrating traditional statistical approaches, such as cluster and factor analysis, with contemporary machine learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of predictions.

The investigation into the influence of water on the mechanical properties of rocks is essential for their effective application in various fields, particularly in mining, dam construction, tunneling, and waste management. The presence of water within the pore spaces of geological materials, along with the existence of pores, cracks, and voids, plays a significant role in determining their mechanical characteristics. This study presents the results of an experimental investigation into the effects of water saturation conditions on the compressive strength of dolomite and limestone specimens, which are recognized as host rocks in the diamond deposits found in the Botuobinskaya and Dalnaya tubes. Following established research methodologies, specific water saturation regimes were selected, and mechanical tests were conducted on specimens that were saturated to predetermined levels and subsequently maintained for varying durations. The results from the three series of tests revealed the dependence of the compressive strength of dolomite on the duration of holding time. A significant effect of holding time on the material’s strength was observed, indicating that it can lead to both a decrease and an increase in strength. This phenomenon is hypothesized to be associated with a non-homogeneous distribution of water and the development of a “dry” core within the specimen. The analysis indicates that, within the framework of the “dry” core model, various fracture scenarios may develop within the material. These scenarios will affect the nature of the dependence of the specimen’s strength on holding time in a wet condition, including its non-monotonic behavior. The findings are not only fundamentally important for advancing the understanding and accurate description of the mechanisms of water interaction with rock but also have practical implications for assessing the stability and long-term durability of flooded mine workings.

This article presents the findings of experimental investigations conducted to assess the influence of alternating temperature variations on the energy consumption associated with the destruction of dolomite samples from the Internatsionalnaya pipe and limestone samples from the Mokhsogolloh quarry. The evaluations were carried out under nival conditions, involving exposure to varying concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions, with salt concentrations ranging from 0% to 20%. The findings reveal that after five freeze-thaw cycles in a nival environment, the energy required for the destruction of dolomite from the Internatsionalnaya pipe decreased by 6% in the absence of salt (0% concentration). However, as the concentration of salt in the solution increased, the energy necessary for the destruction of the dolomite samples escalated to levels comparable to those recorded prior to the freeze-thaw cycles. In contrast, the energy required for the degradation of limestone samples from the Mokhsogolloh quarry decreased by a maximum of 15% after five freeze-thaw cycles, regardless of the salt concentration present in the solution. Thus, unlike the dolomite from the Internatsionalnaya pipe, the influence of salt concentration on the energy intensity of limestone destruction from the Mokhsogolloh quarry was not observed. Furthermore, it was concluded that nival weathering conditions have a lesser effect on the examined rock samples compared to aquatic conditions.

An evaluation of the life strategies of firm-bunch grasses, namely Festuca lenensis and Koeleria cristata, was conducted within the steppe ecosystems of Central Yakutia, using established ecological and phytocenotic strategies. These strategies classify plant species into three groups: competitors, stress-tolerants, and ruderals, commonly referred to as CSR strategies. Each group is defined by a distinct set of adaptive ontogenetic and population characteristics. A comprehensive assessment of various adaptive population indicators was performed, including density, recovery index, aging index, basic spectrum, types of regenerative strategy, and vitality structure. The study included 21 cenopopulations of Festuca lenensis and 12 cenopopulations of Koeleria cristata. Consequently, the ecological conditions of the communities were analyzed using ecological scales, considering the impact of several factors: moisture, soil salinity, and pasture degradation. In the valley of the middle reaches of the Lena River, Festuca lenensis was observed to thrive within the following ranges: at moisture levels of 56.0-59.0, soil salinity levels of 10.4-11.4, and pasture degradation levels of 3.8-4.5. Conversely, communities containing Koeleria cristata were associated with moisture levels of 54.5-59.0, soil salinity levels of 10.4-12.2, and pasture degradation levels of 4.2-4.5. Furthermore, distinct life strategies were identified for both Festuca lenensis and Koeleria cristata. The ecological and phytocenotic strategy of Festuca lenensis is representative of low-bunch grasses found in unproductive communities, aligning with the CSR strategies. In contrast, Koeleria cristata demonstrates an S strategy. In conclusion, the life strategies of both Festuca lenensis and Koeleria cristata, shaped by their distinct adaptive responses of population indicators to comparable ecological and phytocenotic conditions, enable their successful coexistence within the changing environments of the relict steppe communities in Central Yakutia.

This paper presents a chemotaxonomic investigation of three larch species: Cajander larch (Larix cajanderi), Siberian larch (Larix sibirica), and Gmelin larch (Larix gmelinii). We examined the metabolomic profiles obtained through gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detector of various plant organs, including needles, bark, and cones of Larix sibirica, Larix gmelinii, and Larix cajanderi. The objective of this study was to identify species-specific biochemical characteristics and their correlation with environmental growth conditions. Plant samples were collected under controlled conditions from the Botanical Garden of the Institute for Biological Problems of Cryolithozone SB RAS. The results of our study indicate that L. gmelinii and L. cajanderi share similar metabolic profiles, as revealed by principal component analysis (PCA). This finding suggests a biochemical similarity between the two species, which may reflect their related ecological adaptations to the environmental conditions of Central Yakutia. In contrast, Larix sibirica was observed to form a distinct cluster, thereby confirming its unique identity and differences in metabolic profile. The metabolomic analysis indicated that environmental factors, including soil conditions, humidity, and temperature, have a more pronounced impact on the chemical composition of the needles and bark of these species than their taxonomic distinctions. These results highlight the importance of considering environmental factors when investigating the taxonomy and differentiation of Larix species. Furthermore, this research opens new avenues for further exploration in the field of environmental biochemistry concerning coniferous woody plants. This study may serve as a foundational reference for future investigations into metabolomics and chemotaxonomy in relation to plant adaptation to changing environmental conditions.

For the assessment of environmental quality through living beings, it is possible to employ woody plant species that are commonly found in urban settings, alongside the suggested species Betula pendula Roth. The data for this research were gathered between 2018 and 2024 in Irkutsk, focusing on twelve prevalent species of woody plants as the subjects of scientific inquiry. The effects of motor vehicle traffic were identified as a significant factor influencing the research outcomes. In Irkutsk, a total of 202 test sites were established across three specific zones: transportation, residential, and recreational. The average values of fluctuating asymmetry in the transportation zone, which is characterized by heavy traffic, were observed to increase in comparison to the recreational zone. Specifically, Ulmus parvifolia exhibited an increase of 1.41 times, Pyrus ussuriensis showed an increase of 1.36 times, Padus maackii increased by 1.34 times, and both Padus avium, Acer negundo, and Betula pendula demonstrated an increase of 1.33 times. Additionally, Acer ginnala exhibited an increase of 1.29 times. These findings indicate a significant sensitivity of these species to the examined environmental factor. In contrast, Populus alba and Malus baccata displayed signs of stress due to the impact of traffic, although the observed changes were less pronounced, with differences of 1.17 and 1.23 times, respectively. No significant fluctuations in development stability indicators were noted for Syringa vulgaris and Syringa josikaea across the studied zones. Furthermore, Populus balsamifera did not reveal any differences in fluctuating asymmetry indicators in relation to the intensity of traffic flow. The fluctuating asymmetry indicators obtained from this research contributed to the development of scales for eight phanerophyte species, which can be employed in monitoring the condition of the natural environment in urbanized areas. The application of fluctuating asymmetry provides a reliable means of assessing the development stability indicators of woody plants, thereby enabling the informed and targeted selection of species with specific parameters for mitigating negative impacts in urban greening initiatives. To achieve this, the “development stability difference coefficient which accounts for species-specific variations in the examined characteristics, using values derived from recreational areas as a baseline.

This article presents the results of a study focused on Pleistocene entomofauna and earthworms found within Quaternary deposits in the North-East of Russia. Fossil specimens of the Quaternary mesofauna were identified in buried horizons and yedoma deposits within the Batagay thermoerosion basin, as well as in the silted sands of the Ulakhan Sullar outcrop on the Yana Plateau. Paleobotanical reconstructions indicate that the Batagaysky site, situated on the Yana Plateau in Yakutia, was predominantly characterized by meadow steppes and larch forests throughout the majority of the late Pleistocene epoch. Research conducted on the buried soils within the study areas has indicated that the proportion of taiga to meadow-steppe vegetation within the total vegetation cover has varied over time. These fluctuations are indicative of alterations in climatic conditions as well as the impact of recurrent forest fires. The article highlights several dominant species from Pleistocene communities, including Hypera, Morychus viridis, and Pterostichus (Cryobius), while also providing an overview of their ecological characteristics and distribution. Additionally, it explores the potential for conducting paleoreconstructions of the natural conditions of past eras. The research indicates that paleoentomological remains discovered in the permafrost layers of the studied sites on the Yana Plateau suggest the presence of insects inhabiting both forest and steppe environments during this period.

The Decree of the President of the Russian Federation, dated May 7, 2024, No. 309 “On the national development goals of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030 and for the future up to 2036”, Federal Law, dated November 30, 2024, No. 428-FZ “On bioresource centers and biological (bioresource) collections and on amendments to Article 29 of the Federal Law “On the Animal World”, Federal Law, dated July 13, 2020, No. 193-FZ “On state support for entrepreneurship in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation”, Decree of the President of the Russian Federation, dated October 26, 2020, No. 645 (as amended on February 27, 2023) “On the Strategy for the Development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and Ensuring National Security for the Period up to 2035”, and the National Project “Bioeconomics” planned for implementation starting in April 2025, share related goals and objectives in relation to the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF). This article explores the potential for achieving specific objectives by evaluating the availability of organizational, legal, and scientific resources, which collectively indicate that a corresponding set of measures is feasible for implementation. In the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation, where the harsh climate limits agricultural production, the development of a bioeconomy is achievable through the use of wild plants and animals that exist in free or semi-free conditions. The bioproductivity of Arctic and subarctic biota is relatively low; therefore, effective management can be attained through the establishment of advanced processing techniques for raw materials, the diversification of manufactured products, and the expansion of markets for their distribution. The biomass reserves available for use are sufficient to support economic activities within the framework of small and medium-sized enterprises operated by the local population, leveraging contemporary physical and chemical biotechnologies.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the research conducted by the Yakut Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture over the past two decades. It highlights the advancement of highly effective inactivated vaccines, the exploration of microbiota in domestic, wild, and fossilized Paleozoic animals, and the development of biological products that facilitate organic livestock production. The Institute has achieved a significant milestone by developing, for the first time in Russia, highly effective vaccines aimed at preventing horse-soap and salmonella-related abortions. These vaccines have received approval from Rosselkhoznadzor, the regulatory authority within the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation. Additionally, the probiotic “Sakhabactisubtil”, derived from Bacillus subtilis strains, has been formulated to prevent and treat dysbiosis while enhancing the immunobiological reactivity of livestock. These innovations have been patented in the Russian Federation, resulting in the issuance of 53 patents that validate their scientific innovation. To further advance microbiological technologies and improve the production of innovative pharmaceuticals and biologics using microbial, animal, and plant resources, the establishment of an Arctic Biotechnology Center is proposed. This center would capitalize on the laboratories of the Yakut Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture and is intended to encompass microbiological and virology laboratories focused on the development of microbial products and veterinary biotechnologies. The establishment of this center is anticipated to significantly bolster Russia’s biological security, particularly in the northeastern region of Eurasia. The accelerated industrial development in the Arctic, alongside the effects of climate change in high-latitude regions, has resulted in substantial changes in species diversity, wildlife migration patterns, and the routes of migratory birds. These transformations have increased the risk of zoonotic diseases and the likelihood of epidemic outbreaks. As a result, there is an urgent need for comprehensive monitoring of infectious diseases, with particular emphasis on viral pathogens that impact both animals and humans. Furthermore, there is a critical necessity to develop effective veterinary vaccines and biological products to enhance overall health and safety.

The North-East region of Eurasia offers substantial opportunities for advancing bioeconomy, primarily due to the unique array of bioactive substances present in the tissues of northern organisms. This phenomenon is significantly influenced by the region’s extreme natural and climatic conditions. The intact extraction of these bioactive substances, facilitated by contemporary physicochemical biotechnology, enables the development of biopreparations that possess regulatory and protective properties beneficial to human health. These biopreparations have extensive applications across various sectors, including medicine, the food industry, and cosmetology. Moreover, the utilization of secondary raw materials and waste generated by conventional northern economic activities –such as reindeer herding, the breeding of cold-adapted Yakut horses, hunting, fishing, and the cultivation and gathering of wild plants–has the potential to enhance profitability by 25 to 40%. This practice contributes to the improvement of quality of life, living standards, and health among the northern population. The Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is endowed with the necessary conditions and components for the advancement of the biotechnology industry. This includes a unique array of bioactive substances, as well as self-renewable and environmentally sustainable northern plant and animal bio-raw materials. The region is characterized by a skilled workforce comprising biotechnologists and medical professionals who are actively engaged in the preclinical and clinical trials of developed biopreparations. An experimental bioworkshop at the Institute for Biological Problems of Cryolythozone SB RAS employs advanced physicochemical biotechnologies for the intact isolation of bioactive substance complexes derived from the tissues of cold-adapted wild plants and native animal species. The biopreparations produced in this bioworkshop have received certification from Rospotrebnadzor (EURASEC). This article provides a comprehensive overview of proprietary biopreparations, detailing their physicochemical properties, the results of preclinical and clinical trials, and their applications in preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative medicine. Furthermore, it addresses the significance of biopreparations in the manufacturing of functional food products by organizations and enterprises that are recognized as qualified entities, including medical institutions and entities within the food industry. The goals for the next stage of bioeconomy advancement in the region have been distinctly outlined.

As the demand for reliability and durability in polymer materials used in friction units and sealing systems continues to grow, it is essential to develop composites that exhibit enhanced tribological and mechanical properties. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a popular choice due to its exceptional antifriction qualities; however, its limited wear resistance restricts its application in extreme environments. To address this, we explored the modification of PTFE with cerium dioxide (CeO₂) fillers to enhance its performance. The objective of this study was to examine how the mechanochemical activation of cerium oxide influences the properties and structure of PTFE, ultimately aiming to improve its mechanical and tribological characteristics. We employed traditional processing methods for polymer composite materials (PCM) based on PTFE. The mechanochemical activation of CeO₂ was conducted using a planetary mill, and we utilized various analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and IR spectroscopy, alongside mechanical and tribological testing to evaluate the structure and properties of the composites. Our findings revealed that incorporating 2 wt.% of CeO₂ into PTFE significantly increases the degree of crystallinity and the enthalpy of melting of the PCM when using the mechanically activated filler. Notably, tribological tests indicated a remarkable 254-fold increase in wear resistance for the PCM with mechanically activated CeO₂, while the friction coefficient remained consistent with that of the initial polymer. Additionally, IR spectroscopy analysis of the friction surfaces of the PCM indicated the formation of perfluorocarboxylate salts during wear, suggesting the occurrence of tribochemical processes. In conclusion, the developed PCM based on PTFE with mechanically activated CeO₂ demonstrates enhanced mechanical and tribotechnical properties, positioning them as promising materials for use in friction units and sealing systems.

This research presents the results of comparative analyses of the physical and mechanical properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and modified polymer composite materials (PCMs) following field bench testing. These analyses were conducted at a climatic testing facility in Yakutsk during March and October. The study examined changes in the physical and mechanical properties of the samples after exposure durations of 30, 105, 135, 180, 270, and 365 days. The findings indicate that the aging process of UHMWPE predominantly occurs during the summer months, despite variations associated with seasonal changes. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy was utilized to investigate modifications in the physicochemical structure of the materials. A notable acceleration in the photochemical degradation of UHMWPE was observed in the presence of carbon fibers. Additionally, surface temperature calculations for samples exposed to solar radiation under real-world conditions in Yakutsk were performed using a linear regression model. This model was employed to evaluate the surface temperatures of materials with varying colored coatings. The study elucidates the mechanisms by which environmental variables, including temperature, solar radiation, and seasonal exposure, affect the aging processes of UHMWPE and its composites in Yakutia. The results are expected to have significant implications for addressing challenges related to the mitigation of polymer aging. Consequently, it is recommended to further enhance UHMWPE composite materials intended for outdoor applications in Yakutia, such as linings, by incorporating effective stabilizers to reduce light-induced aging effects.