César Tomé is the editor of Mapping Ignorance.
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 […]
Starch bioplastic as toxic as conventional plastic Starch-based bioplastic, often deemed a sustainable alternative, may be as toxic as petroleum-based plastic. The research highlights potential health issues, including organ damage and metabolic changes, from long-term exposure to bioplastic microplastics, raising concerns about their safety. Full Story: The Guardian Heat waves, pollution drive premature deaths A […]
Map highlights ocean pathways for marine species Researchers have created the Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean database, an interactive map that traces routes of 109 marine species. The map, based on 30 years of data, highlights the need for international cooperation to protect these species as their habitats cross national borders. Full Story: ScienceAlert Major […]
Pacific Ocean hotspot linked to volcanic features A study by geologists has connected the Louisville hotspot in the Pacific Ocean to both the Louisville Ridge and the Ontong Java Plateau, the largest volcanic plateau on Earth. “This finding offers us a more accurate history of the Pacific and its volcanic activity and helps us understand […]
Study challenges assumptions about magnetar formation The study of the magnetar SGR 0501+4516 using Hubble and Gaia telescopes has deepened the mystery of its origins. Previously thought to be associated with the supernova remnant HB9, the magnetar shows no connection to it, which suggests that SGR 0501+4516 may have formed through an alternative process, such […]
Magma chambers influence composition of Mars’ crust A study explores the history of magma chambers on Mars, revealing how these chambers evolve over time. Numerical modelling indicates that early Mars had higher temperatures, allowing upper crustal chambers to last longer, feeding surface eruptions. Full Story: Eos Complete ape genomes offer insights into human evolution Researchers […]
Salt may play key role in Martian mudflow formation A study in Communications Earth and Environment suggests that salt could explain how mudflows form on Mars despite the planet’s thin atmosphere. Researchers conducted experiments in Mars-like conditions, finding that salt lowers the freezing point of water, allowing mud to flow longer. Full Story: Eos Underwater […]
Asteroid samples reveal ancient salty incubators Samples from asteroids Ryugu and Bennu have revealed the presence of salts, indicating that salty water environments were common in the early solar system. This finding suggests that such environments could have been incubators for life’s building blocks, a discovery that highlights the potential for organic evolution on asteroids […]
Genetic erosion poses hidden threat to species survival Research on the regent honeyeater, a critically endangered bird from southeastern Australia, reveals that despite severe population decline, the species retains high genetic diversity. Through whole-genome sequencing and ecological modeling, the study underscores the delayed impact of genetic erosion and the importance of integrating genetic data over […]
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 […]