Octopus DNA helps scientists resolve geological mystery Scientists analyzed the genetic history of an octopus species living in the Antarctic to confirm a theory about when the West Antarctic ice sheet last collapsed. The Turquet’s octopus has different populations separated by the West Antarctic ice shelves today, but the creature’s family tree indicates that the […]
Morning people may have inherited Neanderthal genes People’s predisposition to wake up early may be linked to inherited genetic variants from Neanderthals, who lived at high latitudes in Europe and Asia and evolved to cope with seasonal variation in daylight. Full Story: CNN Lights attract migrating birds into cities at night Light pollution draws migratory […]
Warming waters may release methane “fire-ice” Methane hydrate, or fire-ice, frozen underneath the ocean floor can thaw and release methane into the atmosphere as the climate warms. Researchers used 3D seismic imaging techniques to examine a portion of fire-ice off the coast of Mauritania and discovered that some dislodged methane moved from a hydrate stability […]
Army ants use collective decision-making when hunting Ants use relatively sophisticated problem-solving abilities to collectively overcome obstacles when hunting for food. The insects often build a bridge by linking their bodies when they face an obstacle, such as a gap between leaves, suggesting that the insects exercise collective decision-making and weigh the costs and benefits […]
Bonobos show pro-social cooperation between groups Bonobos demonstrate cooperation between different social groups such as forming alliances and sharing food, according to a study of wild adult bonobos in the Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bonobos show that the ability to maintain peaceful between-group relationships while extending acts of pro-sociality and […]
A way to grow plants in lunar soil Scientists have discovered a way to turn the moon’s soil into fertile ground for growing plants. Researchers used volcanic material to create simulated lunar regolith and treated the soil with bacteria to increase phosphorus availability, which allowed benth, a relative of tobacco, to grow with healthier stems […]
Jupiter-like planets push Earth-sized planets aside Jupiter-sized gas giant planets can cause chaos in young planetary systems, moving smaller planets out of their orbit and impacting the habitability of those planets. While Jupiter’s gravitational field acts as a shield for Earth, it would harm Earth’s climate if it were located in the middle of our […]
Female chimpanzees go through menopause Some female chimpanzees experience menopause similar to humans, according to a study of wild chimpanzees in Uganda’s Kibale National Park. Researchers analyzed urine samples from 66 female chimps and found that their hormone levels shifted around age 50 similarly to women in middle age and calculated that the female animals […]
The cause of Mars’ strongest quake The strongest quake recorded on Mars, which lasted six hours but left no visible signs on the planet’s surface, was caused by tectonic activity rather than a colliding asteroid. While scientists believe Mars does not have plate tectonics like Earth, the quake was likely caused by the release of […]
Humans hunting lions 48,000 years ago Neanderthals living about 48,000 years ago hunted and carefully butchered a cave lion, an extinct species, according to an analysis of lion remains uncovered in southeastern Germany. The study reveals the “earliest direct evidence of a large predator being hunted and killed in human history,” said Gabriele Russo, author […]