Geoscience Research Institute

08/19/2026

Did you catch us in Phoenix, Arizona at ASI? We loved connecting with attendees, sharing the work we’re doing, and highlighting the resources we have available. Meeting you at events like this is one of our favorite things to do. Where will we see you next?

08/17/2026

What is an organism? 🐜
Dr. David Nelsen starts with this seemingly simple question and takes us into a deeper reflection on the structure of creation, what it means to be a living organism, and our unique role as humans within creation.
A thought-provoking exploration at the intersection of biology, Scripture, and the meaning of completeness.
👉 Read the full article:

Scripture leads us to look at nature as a well-integrated system composed of other well-integrated systems.

08/14/2026

Hear from some attendees and presenters as they share their perspectives on the GRI conference held in Pasco, Washington. What brought them to it, and what made the presentations so fascinating.

08/14/2026

🌑☀️ An incredible view of the total solar eclipse, engaging presentations on faith, science, astronomy, and cosmology, and an opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives. These were just some of the blessings experienced by participants at “The Sun Still Shines,” a conference recently held in Sagunto, Spain. 📸 See some of the pictures and learn more about the event in this news release from the Trans-European Division of Seventh-day Adventists 👉👉👉 https://ted.adventist.org/news/the-sun-still-shines/

08/12/2026

In his latest review, Dr Jim Gibson highly recommends "Exploring the Universe through the Dual Lens of Scripture and Science." Reflecting on the book, Dr. Gibson writes: "Several chapters were especially stimulating and helpful in clarifying issues in my own mind. I found little to quibble about, and much to appreciate." Learn more about this exceptional resource here https://www.grisda.org/exploring-the-universe

08/10/2026

In his new article for the GRI website, Dr. Mitch Menzmer takes a closer look at a common argument about the origin of life, and asks whether thermodynamics is really where the greatest difficulty lies.
Thermodynamics can tell us about energy and entropy, but it does not tell us the specific sequence of steps—the pathway—needed to produce a highly organized and functional system.
And this distinction matters.
A living system is not simply a collection of complex molecules. It requires an extraordinarily specific arrangement of components and a sequence of processes capable of producing a functional whole. The central challenge for abiogenesis, Menzmer argues, is therefore not thermodynamic restriction, but the scarcity of plausible, undirected pathways capable of generating the specific organization and information required for life.
🔬 Read the full article on the GRI website:

https://www.grisda.org/pathway-vs-thermo

The spontaneous organization of nonliving matter into a living organism is more than a problem of energy or thermodynamics. It requires a highly specific sequence of assembly. Thus, the central challenge for abiogenesis lies in the scarcity of plausible pathways capable of producing the complex, hig...

08/07/2026

The dinosaur bonebed at Hanson Ranch (Wyoming, USA) continues to provide valuable insights into taphonomic processes. In this paper 👉👉👉 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0351939, Siviero et al. report that tooth marks on recovered bones are exceedingly rare, with only 13 occurrences among more than 3,000 specimens (~0.4%). Four of these traces were attributed to Tyrannosaurus rex. The authors conclude that "most tooth traces lack associated bone remodeling, suggesting that the animals were inflicted peri- or post-mortem, and indicating that they were subject to predation or, more likely, scavenging."

08/07/2026

In anticipation of next week's total solar eclipse and the accompanying Faith and Science Conference in Sagunto, Dr. Roberto Marin shares a brief video reflection on two contrasting aspects of gravity:

In the complex world of landslides and slope deterioration, gravity...

08/06/2026

For one week, North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists science professors gathered in Washington for a conference focused on deepening their understanding of faith and science while exploring research they can bring back to their classrooms. The experience also included 2 two-day field studies through the Columbia River Plateau and Channeled Scabland.

07/30/2026

Before the conversations began at the GRI 2026 Conference, the learning started in the field.

For two days, North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists science professors explored the remarkable geology of the Columbia River Plateau and the Channeled Scablands in Washington State. From extensive basalt formations to landscapes shaped by powerful catastrophic megafloods. The two days offered an opportunity to study earth history and the geologic record.