Uncategorized
- Archaeology
Stone circles show Neandertals’ social, technical skills
Ancient human relatives built circular stalagmite structures inside a French cave.
By Bruce Bower - Planetary Science
Seismic experiment might reveal thickness of Europa’s ice
Crashing an empty rocket fuel tank into the surface of Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa, could help scientists figure out the thickness of the ice.
By Meghan Rosen - Astronomy
Return of superstar supernova raises doubt about its identity
The brightest supernova on record is back for round two, and might not be a supernova after all.
- Planetary Science
Space experts say sending humans to Mars worth the risk
At a meeting in Washington, NASA and aerospace reps discuss the hopes and hurdles of landing a crew on Mars by the 2030s.
- Physics
The center of Earth is younger than the outer surface
Einstein’s general theory of relativity predicts the center of the Earth is two years younger than the crust.
- Astronomy
Young sun’s super solar flares helped set early Earth up for life
Super solar flares may have provided early Earth with planet-warming and life-building molecules.
- Climate
Zapping clouds with lasers could tweak planet’s temperature
Breaking up the ice particles inside cirrus clouds could make them reflect more light, turning them into a tool to combat global warming.
- Life
Scientists find way to break through bad bacteria’s defenses
Enzymes can break down bacterial biofilm’s sugary walls.
- Tech
Insect-sized bot is first to both fly, land
A tiny aerial robot nicknamed RoboBee uses static electricity to perch on surfaces midflight. The landing device could one day help robots conserve energy during search and rescue missions.
By Meghan Rosen - Genetics
Risk identified in procedure for ‘three-parent babies’
Resurgent mitochondria could spell trouble for disease therapy.
- Neuroscience
Wiping out gut bacteria impairs brain
Antibiotics that wiped out gut bacteria curbed brain cell production in mice, a new study finds.
- Genetics
Some Stone Age humans ventured back to Africa
DNA from an ancient woman suggests some humans trekked back to Africa.
By Bruce Bower