MI weekly selection #604

New bacterium found on Tiangong space station

Researchers have discovered a previously unknown bacterium, Niallia tiangongensis, on China’s Tiangong space station. The bacterium, found in swabs taken by the Shenzhou-15 crew, shows unique traits that may help it survive the harsh space environment.

Full Story: ScienceAlert

Unique facial tattoos discovered on 800-year-old mummy

Researchers have discovered unique tattoos on an 800-year-old Andean mummy at a museum in Turin, Italy. The tattoos, found on the right cheek and wrist, are unlike any other known ancient body art, with the ink made from magnetite and pyroxenes instead of charcoal.

Full Story: IFLScience

Capuchin monkeys are abducting newborn howlers

Researchers have observed wild capuchin monkeys on an island in Panama abducting infant howler monkeys, a behaviour that has led to the deaths of at least four howlers since 2022. The trend began with one capuchin and has spread to others, raising concerns about the impact on the endangered howler population.

Full Story: Live Science

Jupiter was once more than twice its current size

A study indicates that Jupiter was once up to 2.5 times its current size, with the planet’s dramatic size contributing significantly to the shaping of our solar system.

Full Story: Popular Science

Glaciers can’t recover from 3C warming

A modelling study shows that mountain glaciers face irreversible loss if global warming reaches 3 degrees Celsius, even for a short period. The research indicates that such a temperature rise would result in significant ice melt and higher sea levels, with glaciers unable to recover even if temperatures later drop to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Full Story: Earth