MI weekly selection #595
Geographic split of humans linked to emerging language
A genomic analysis suggests that human language ability was present at least 135,000 years ago, coinciding with the first geographic split of Homo sapiens. The research suggests that humans developed the cognitive capacity for complex language before it entered social use. This capacity for symbolic thinking and language was a precursor to organized activities observed in the archaeological record 100,000 years ago.
Full Story: PhysOrg
Old wells turned into energy storage solutions
Researchers have found that recovering geothermal heat from abandoned oil and natural gas wells could boost the efficiency of compressed-air energy storage by 9.5%, offering a more viable solution for addressing the intermittency of renewable energy sources. Beyond cutting costs and emissions, this approach offers a second life to fossil fuel infrastructure and could help preserve jobs in fossil fuel-dependent communities.
Full Story: Earth
Dark oxygen discovery challenges deep-sea understanding
“Dark oxygen,” oxygen produced without sunlight, was discovered during research in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. The finding suggests that polymetallic nodules might generate oxygen through electrochemical reactions. The discovery could have significant implications for understanding deep-sea ecosystems and the potential for life on other planets and could affect deep-sea mining.
Full Story: The Conversation
RNA origami used to build artificial cytoskeletons
Researchers have used RNA origami to create nanotubes that form cytoskeleton-like structures, a key step toward building synthetic cells. The technique bypasses traditional protein synthesis by using self-folding RNA, potentially paving the way for more complex RNA machinery.
Full Story: ScienceDaily
Mantle layer key in starting plate tectonics
Researchers suggest that the mantle transition zone, a deep Earth layer, may have initiated plate tectonics by releasing water-rich plumes that weakened the Earth’s surface. The study analyzed 30-million-year-old olivine rocks from the South China Sea, finding unusually high water content that could have facilitated continental breakup.
Full Story: Science