MI weekly selection #589

Earth experienced a surge in greenery in 2020

The year 2020 marked the greenest year in nearly two decades. While the COVID-19 pandemic’s reduced human activity slightly boosted vegetation, the primary drivers were increased carbon dioxide, warmer climates and reforestation projects, notably in China and India.

Full Story: Earth

Ancient cannibalism found in cave

An international team of researchers has uncovered evidence suggesting that Magdalenian people practiced cannibalism approximately 18,000 years ago in a cave in Poland. The study analyzed bones from Maszycka Cave, noting cut marks and cracked bones indicative of flesh consumption and marrow extraction, though the researchers acknowledge the possibility of ritualistic practices as an alternative explanation.

Full Story: PhysOrg

Role of near-cloud zones in climate models

A study reveals that near-cloud regions have a significant impact on Earth’s radiative balance, reducing solar radiation more than previously understood. The researchers used satellite data to analyze the effects over two years, emphasizing the need to account for these regions in climate assessments to avoid biases in aerosol effect measurements.

Full Story: Eos

Dual skin texture of plesiosaurs

Researchers have resolved a long-standing mystery about the skin texture of plesiosaurs, revealing that these ancient aquatic reptiles had both scaly and smooth skin. By analyzing fossilized soft tissue samples from a rare specimen known as MH7, the team discovered that plesiosaurs had scaly flippers for maneuvering along the seafloor and smooth bodies to reduce drag while swimming.

Full Story: Popular Science

Asteroid’s possible collision could alter global climate

Scientists have simulated the potential impact of asteroid Bennu on Earth in 2182, revealing significant climate disruptions. Although the chance of collision is less than 1%, the simulations show that such an impact could cause 400 million tons of dust in the atmosphere, leading to a drop in global temperatures and a 15% decrease in precipitation.

Full Story: ScienceAlert