News

  1. Planetary Science

    Signs of Water Flow: Oceans of data point to ancient Martian sea

    A robotic rover on Mars has found strong evidence that some rocks near the Martian equator were laid down by a shallow, ancient ocean, indicating one of the most likely places to look for remains of life on the Red Planet.

    By Ron Cowen
  2. Anthropology

    Evolution’s Lost Bite: Gene change tied to ancestral brain gains

    In a controversial new report, a research team proposes that an inactivating gene mutation unique to people emerged around 2.4 million years ago and, by decreasing the size of jaw muscles, set the stage for brain expansion in our direct ancestors.

    By Bruce Bower
  3. Archaeology

    Reconstructing ancient drinking habits

    A new technique involving the analysis of residue from pottery jars can discern the color of wine consumed by ancient Egyptians.