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Africa's Lion Cavern: World's Oldest Ochre Mine at 48,000 Years

Researchers have uncovered the world’s oldest ochre mine, dating back approximately 48,000 years, in the Lion Cavern of Eswatini, southern Africa. This significant discovery highlights the importance prehistoric humans placed on ochre, a natural clay pigment used for various purposes, including cave paintings, body art, and rituals, due to its antibacterial properties. Employing advanced techniques such as optically stimulated luminescence and neutron activation analysis, scientists determined that ochre was mined in large quantities and transported over considerable distances, indicating organized trade networks. The findings suggest that ochre was not only a valuable resource but also played a crucial role in the cultural and social practices of Stone Age communities. This research, published in *Nature Communications*, sheds light on early human creativity and the development of social networks, revealing how the mining and use of ochre contributed to the evolution of human cognition and technological innovation. sources

Published:
Oct 31 2024, 11 am

Ancient Solar System Magnetic Field Discovered in Asteroid Grain

Researchers have discovered evidence of an ancient magnetic field in the outer Solar System, derived from tiny grains collected from the asteroid Ryugu by Japan's Hayabusa-2 mission. This magnetic field, estimated at around 15 microteslas, is significantly weaker than Earth's current magnetic field and the stronger fields found in the inner Solar System, which could reach up to 200 microteslas. Despite its relative weakness, scientists believe it played a crucial role in the formation of celestial bodies, including the giant planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, by influencing the accumulation of mass in the protoplanetary disk surrounding the young Sun. The findings, published in AGU Advances, suggest that magnetic fields were integral to planetary formation across the Solar System, and researchers are keen to analyze samples from asteroid Bennu to further understand these primordial magnetic influences. sources

Published:
Nov 09 2024, 8 am

Meet "Strawberry Claws": A New Red-Pincered Hermit Crab Species

A new species of hermit crab, dubbed "Strawberry Claws," has been identified off the coast of southeast Queensland, Australia. Officially named *Strigopagurus fragarchela*, the crab is notable for its vibrant red legs and claws, which are adorned with scarlet spots. Queensland Museum's Dr. Marissa McNamara, who co-authored the species' scientific description, highlighted its significance as an addition to the genus, which is predominantly found in Australian waters. The crabs were discovered in deep continental shelf waters, measuring approximately 13.9 millimeters in size. Unique to this species is their ability to produce sound through stridulation, a behavior that may serve as a defense mechanism against predators. The findings, published in the *Memoirs of the Queensland Museum*, underscore the importance of natural history collections in advancing scientific knowledge and conservation efforts. sources

Published:
Nov 09 2024, 9 am

Frozen Mummy Reveals Woolly Rhinos' Back Hump

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the woolly rhinoceros, revealing a mummified specimen with a distinct hump on its neck, a feature absent in previously found mummies. This finding, from a 35,000-year-old juvenile rhino unearthed in Siberian permafrost, supports the accuracy of ancient cave paintings from Chauvet Cave in France, which depicted these animals with a similar anatomical characteristic. The hump, believed to be composed of fat, raises questions about whether it was a juvenile trait or persisted into adulthood, potentially aiding in thermoregulation and nutrient storage. The study suggests that this feature represents an example of homoplasy, as the hump differs from that of modern rhinos, which is primarily muscular. Despite uncertainties about the hump's size fluctuations, the research confirms that woolly rhinos and mammoths had unique traits distinguishing them from their modern relatives. The findings are detailed in the journal *Quaternary Science Reviews*. sources

Published:
Nov 09 2024, 8 am

Orcas Return to Penn Cove After 50 Years

For the first time in over 50 years, endangered Southern Resident orcas have been spotted in Penn Cove, Washington, a site notorious for a large-scale capture attempt in 1970 that resulted in the deaths of several whales. The non-profit Ocean Conservancy announced the return of L Pod on November 4, marking a significant moment in the region's marine history. The orcas were seen swimming and breaching in the cove, which had been avoided by their ancestors due to the traumatic events of the past. The 1970 capture, which involved herding over 80 orcas using boats and explosives, led to public outcry and the eventual passage of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972. While the reasons for their return remain unclear, Ocean Conservancy suggests that generational changes may have encouraged exploration, and their presence could indicate a resurgence of prey in the area. sources

Published:
Nov 08 2024, 7 pm

Cat's Physics Paper: What Was It About?

In 1975, a unique paper co-authored by a cat, F.D.C. Willard, was published in the prestigious journal *Physical Review Letters*, sparking intrigue in the scientific community. Authored by Professor Jack Hetherington from Michigan State University, the paper explored the unusual behavior of the isotope helium-3. Faced with a journal policy that required a single-author paper to use "I" instead of "we," Hetherington cleverly added his Siamese cat as a co-author to avoid retyping the document. The paper, titled "Two-, Three-, and Four-Atom Exchange Effects in bcc 3He," detailed complex modeling of helium-3's behavior at near absolute zero, revealing its superfluid properties. The whimsical co-authorship led to confusion when academics sought to discuss the paper with Willard, prompting Hetherington to eventually confess. The story has since become a beloved anecdote in physics, with Hetherington later bestowing honorary titles upon his feline collaborator. sources

Published:
Nov 09 2024, 5 am

Why Place Salt Bowls in Windows This Winter?

As winter approaches, UK residents are being advised to place bowls of salt in their windows to combat dampness and mold. The rationale is that salt can absorb moisture from the air, potentially reducing condensation on cold surfaces like glass. However, experts caution that while salt does have hygroscopic properties, its effectiveness is limited, particularly in typical UK humidity levels, which range from 30 to 60 percent. Salt only begins to absorb significant moisture at higher humidity levels, around 74 percent. For more effective moisture control, proper ventilation is recommended, such as using window vents or slightly opening windows to allow humid air to escape. While the salt method may offer some minor benefits, it is not a substitute for more reliable solutions to prevent condensation and its associated problems. sources

Published:
Nov 09 2024, 1 am

One Third of Math's Grand Unified Theory Likely Overturned

The mathematical community is abuzz following the emergence of a nearly 1,000-page proof from a team of nine mathematicians, which is believed to have successfully addressed a significant aspect of the Langlands Program, often dubbed the "grand unified theory" of mathematics. This program, initiated by Robert Langlands in 1967, connects various fields such as number theory, automorphic forms, and representation theory, aiming to unify disparate mathematical concepts. The recent proof, particularly focused on the geometric form of the Langlands Conjecture, is seen as a monumental achievement, providing a comprehensive understanding of a complex area that has eluded mathematicians for decades. Experts suggest that this breakthrough could have far-reaching implications, potentially influencing fields like quantum physics and condensed matter physics, while also paving the way for further exploration into the remaining aspects of the Langlands Program. sources

Published:
Nov 08 2024, 10 pm

Meet Chonkus: The Large Cyanobacterium Fighting Climate Change

Researchers have identified a new strain of cyanobacteria, nicknamed "Chonkus," discovered in volcanic ocean vents off Italy, which shows promise in combating climate change by effectively capturing carbon dioxide. Officially known as UTEX 3222, Chonkus thrives in CO2-rich environments, doubling its colony size in just over two hours and accumulating carbon in storage granules. Collected from shallow volcanic seeps near Vulcano, the strain was cultivated in a Boston lab, where its rapid growth and ability to sink quickly to the ocean floor were noted. This unique combination of traits positions Chonkus as a potential tool for carbon sequestration, offering a natural solution to mitigate climate change. Researchers emphasize the importance of utilizing naturally evolved microbes like Chonkus for industrial and environmental applications, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to address the climate crisis. The findings are detailed in the journal *Applied and Environmental Microbiology*. sources

Published:
Nov 08 2024, 10 pm

Who Were the Cro-Magnon?

The Cro-Magnon people, once thought to be a distinct species, are now recognized as anatomically modern humans who lived in Europe during the last Ice Age, approximately 40,000 to 10,000 years ago. Discovered in 1868 in the Dordogne Valley, their remains included four adults and an infant, alongside evidence of complex social structures and cultural practices, such as cave art and sophisticated tools. Initially named after the Cro-Magnon rock shelter, advances in anthropology have led to the term being phased out in favor of Early Modern Humans (EMH). Cro-Magnon individuals were physically similar to contemporary humans, exhibiting high foreheads and strong chins, and they endured harsh conditions, as indicated by skeletal injuries. Their artistic expressions, including cave paintings and jewelry, provide crucial insights into their beliefs and daily lives, highlighting their role in human evolution and cultural development in prehistoric Europe. sources

Published:
Nov 08 2024, 11 pm

"1 Minute Video of 1.8 Billion Years of Tectonics"

A new study by geologists from Australia and China has produced a one-minute video illustrating the movement of Earth's tectonic plates over the past 1.8 billion years, showcasing the planet's dynamic nature. The video begins in the 21st century and traces the formation of supercontinents, including Pangaea and Rodinia, while challenging the notion of the "boring billion"—a period previously thought to be geologically stable. Instead, researchers suggest it was a time of significant tectonic activity. The study also highlights ongoing geological changes, such as the rift in East Africa, which could eventually split the continent and create a new ocean. Looking ahead, models predict the formation of a new supercontinent in about 200 million years, with potential scenarios including "Amasia," where continents cluster around the North Pole, or "Aurica," where they gather at the equator. The findings are published in the journal Geoscience Frontiers. sources

Published:
Nov 08 2024, 7 pm

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