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"Rare 183-Million-Year-Old Plesiosaur Had Mosaic Skin and Scales"

A remarkable 183-million-year-old fossil discovered in Germany's Posidonia Shale has provided unprecedented insights into the appearance and biology of plesiosaurs, revealing that these ancient marine reptiles were covered in both skin and scales. This find, dating to the Lower Jurassic, is notable for its well-preserved soft tissues, including traces of skin around the tail and front flipper, marking the first in-depth study of plesiosaur soft tissues. Researchers identified pigment cells and three layers of skin cells, alongside structures on the flippers resembling modern reptilian scales. This unique combination likely enhanced their swimming and hunting capabilities, allowing them to thrive in diverse ocean depths. Lead author Miguel Marx emphasized the significance of this discovery in reconstructing the life of plesiosaurs, which have long intrigued scientists. The study, published in Current Biology, underscores the potential of soft tissue fossils to illuminate the evolutionary history of life on Earth. sources

Published:
Feb 10 2025, 8 pm IST

Could This Be Jack the Ripper's Face?

Archivists at the College of Policing have uncovered a walking cane believed to depict a suspect in the infamous Jack the Ripper case, which terrorized London's East End in 1888. The Ripper is linked to the brutal murders of at least five female sex workers in Whitechapel, characterized by throat slitting and gruesome mutilations, suggesting the killer may have had surgical skills. Despite numerous suspects over the past 130 years, the case remains unsolved. The cane, originally presented to Chief Inspector Frederick Abberline, who led the investigation, was lost after the closure of Bramshill Police Staff College in 2015 but was rediscovered last year. Antony Cash from the College of Policing described the cane as a significant artifact that highlights the evolution of modern policing and forensic techniques, allowing officers to reflect on the historical context of their work. sources

Published:
Feb 10 2025, 9 pm IST

First-Ever Photo of Rare "Lost" Bird of Prey in PNG

Fiji-based photographer Tom Vierus has unwittingly made a significant scientific discovery while photographing birds on Papua New Guinea’s New Britain in March. His memory card captured the first-ever photograph of the elusive New Britain goshawk (_Accipiter princeps_), a bird classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. Known locally as “keango” or “kulingapa,” the species has been largely undocumented since a specimen was last recorded in 1969. Vierus, who was on a trip with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), expressed surprise at the importance of his find, as local residents confirmed the bird's rarity in the region. The rediscovery has sparked renewed calls for conservation efforts to protect the goshawk's habitat from threats such as agriculture and logging, with WWF officer Oscar Pileng emphasizing the need for increased protection measures. sources

Published:
Feb 10 2025, 7 pm IST

Life as a Consequence of Entropy: A Strange Idea

The origins of life on Earth remain a profound mystery, with scientists exploring various theories, including the possibility that life began near hydrothermal vents, where energy could facilitate essential chemical reactions. American physicist Jeremy England proposes a novel perspective, suggesting that life may emerge as a consequence of entropy, the measure of disorder in a system. While life exists in a state of low entropy, it does not violate the second law of thermodynamics, as it draws energy from its environment to maintain order temporarily. England's research simulates complex chemical systems, revealing that under certain conditions, these systems can spontaneously organize into more complex structures that enhance heat distribution. Although controversial and requiring further investigation, this theory implies that life could be a common occurrence in the universe, arising from the fundamental laws of physics rather than mere chance. sources

Published:
Feb 10 2025, 11 am IST

Guess the Object in These Microscopic Images!

A new interactive quiz on Playbuzz challenges participants to identify various objects based solely on their microscopic images. The quiz highlights the often bizarre and unfamiliar nature of the microscopic world, which can make it difficult to recognize everyday items when viewed at such a small scale. As the quiz invites users to test their observational skills, it serves as a reminder of the fascinating and sometimes perplexing details that lie beyond our typical perception. This engaging activity not only entertains but also educates, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the microscopic realm. For those curious about the hidden wonders of the world around them, this quiz offers a fun opportunity to explore and learn. sources

Published:
Feb 10 2025, 1 pm IST

2.4 kg Egyptian Blue Pigment Discovered at Nero's Palace

Archaeologists excavating Emperor Nero's opulent Domus Aurea in Rome have unearthed a remarkable find: a 2.4-kilogram chunk of pure Egyptian blue pigment, comparable in size to a grapefruit. This rare artifact was discovered alongside basins containing other pigments, such as red and yellow ochre, used in the palace's lavish wall decorations. The Domus Aurea, built after the Great Fire of 64 CE, exemplified Nero's extravagant lifestyle, featuring intricately designed rooms and a rotating ceiling in its famed coenatio rotunda. Egyptian blue, a highly sought-after artificial pigment in the ancient world, was prized for its ability to create lifelike tones and enhance artistic detail. Researchers at the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum are eager to continue their work, hoping to uncover more about the use of this stunning pigment in ancient artistry. "The allure conveyed by the depth of this pigment’s blue is incredible," noted Alfonsina Russo, the park's director. sources

Published:
Feb 09 2025, 12 pm IST

Ancient Greek Geometer's Lost Works Found in Islamic Texts

A remarkable discovery at the University of Leiden has unearthed two previously lost scientific treatises by Apollonius, the ancient Greek mathematician renowned as the "Great Geometer." These manuscripts, part of a collection of nearly 200 Arabic texts brought to the university in the 17th century, had remained locked away and forgotten. The rediscovered works, which include books five and seven of Apollonius's influential _Conics_, are pivotal in the history of mathematics, introducing concepts of ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas. Scholars emphasize the significance of Arabic manuscripts in preserving ancient knowledge, highlighting the role of the Islamic Golden Age in safeguarding Greek texts. Despite their importance, many Arabic manuscripts remain understudied due to the specialized knowledge required for their analysis. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of historical scientific achievements but also underscores the intellectual legacy of the medieval Middle East. sources

Published:
Feb 06 2025, 6 pm IST

How High Can Birds Fly?

The Rüppell's vulture (_Gyps rueppellii_) holds the record for the highest flight of any bird, having been struck by a commercial aircraft at an astonishing altitude of 11,300 meters (37,000 feet) over Côte d'Ivoire in 1973. While the aircraft sustained damage, the vulture did not survive, leaving behind only feathers for identification. These social birds, native to the Sahel region of Africa, are known for their monogamous pair bonds and cooperative parenting. However, the Rüppell's vulture is now classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN due to habitat loss, hunting, and poisoning from pesticides and veterinary drugs. Despite their impressive wingspan of over 2 meters (7-8 feet) and ability to soar at high altitudes, their future is uncertain as threats to their survival continue to mount. Other high-flying birds, such as the common crane and bar-headed goose, have not approached the vulture's record, leaving its title secure for now. sources

Published:
Feb 10 2025, 12 am IST

New H5N1 Bird Flu Strain Detected in US Cows

Avian flu has made a significant leap, with the H5N1 virus detected in dairy cows across several US states, marking the first instance of this virus genotype in cattle. The USDA confirmed the presence of genotype D1.1 in milk samples collected in Nevada, which is now the predominant strain in North American migratory birds. This detection, part of the USDA's National Milk Testing Strategy, follows earlier positive tests in Nevada cows in December 2024, attributed to non-native European starlings. While there have been 67 confirmed human cases of H5N1 in the US, including one death linked to the D1.1 strain, experts maintain that the risk to the general public remains low. However, they caution that the virus could mutate, potentially increasing the risk of human-to-human transmission. Ongoing surveillance and communication are deemed crucial as the situation evolves. sources

Published:
Feb 07 2025, 12 am IST

Euphrates River Dries Up, Biblical Crisis Approaches

The drying of the Euphrates River, as foretold in the Bible, is becoming a pressing reality, raising concerns about the future of the region. Flowing through Syria and Iraq, the Tigris-Euphrates river system has supported ancient civilizations for millennia, but a 2021 government report warned that it could run dry by 2040 due to climate change and declining water levels. NASA's GRACE satellites revealed a staggering loss of 144 cubic kilometers of freshwater since 2003, with the region experiencing the second-fastest groundwater depletion globally. As demand for water rises, international disputes over access are intensifying, complicating efforts to manage the crisis. The situation has already led to a public health emergency in Iraq, with diseases like cholera and measles spreading due to a lack of clean water. While biblical predictions may be viewed skeptically, the implications of the river's decline are undeniably significant. sources

Published:
Feb 10 2025, 9 am IST