MI weekly selection #342

Einstein’s theory helps map pulsar’s beams

Researchers used Einstein’s theory of general relativity to map the structure of the pulsar PSR J1906+0746 and, by doing so, they also confirmed the theory. Astronomers observed the pulses coming from PSR J1906+0746 over the course of 14 years.

ScienceAlert

Whale’s song can reveal where it has been

The songs humpback whales produce can not only reveal their points of origin, but also other places they’ve been. “Our best analogy is hit human fashion and pop songs,” said study author Ellen Garland.

New Scientist

Information relayed at same rate no matter the language

No matter the language being spoken, the amount of information is conveyed in about the same amount of time. “Despite the very large differences in languages, they are about the same in efficiency,” said Francois Pellegrino, one of the study’s authors.

Discover

Nanoscale calcium phosphate regenerates tooth enamel in lab tests

Scientists used triethylamine to produce nanoscale calcium phosphate clusters that adhered to dental enamel and encouraged regrowth on human teeth that had been exposed to acid. Study co-author Zhaoming Liu says researchers are working on a way to develop a thicker crystalline layer and hope to begin human clinical trials in one or two years.

The Guardian

Cambrian explosion theory tested by wormlike fossil

A creature resembling a worm made its way across the seafloor and died between 551 million and 539 million years ago, leaving behind clues that are putting the theory of the Cambrian explosion of animal life to the test. The fossil, found in China, dates back to the Ediacaran period, suggesting animals were on the scene before the Cambrian period.

Nature

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