The skull and brain case of a newfound ancient snake species were still intact. Image Credit: Agustin Martinelli/ScienceNews Snakes represent one of the most successful groups of vertebrates on Earth, with over 4,200 living species accounting for one-third of all scaled reptiles. Despite a long history going back to at least the Middle Jurassic, the…
Marie Curie’s profound observation underscores the power of understanding as a tool to conquer life’s fears. She posited that knowledge serves as a buffer against uncertainty, fostering self-assurance. As a trailblazing scientist, she unearthed polonium and radium, earning Nobel Prizes for her remarkable contributions to physics and chemistry. Her enduring message of curiosity and the…
The introduction of agriculture, around 11,500 years ago in the Middle East was a milestone for humankind. For decades, the image of the prehistoric hunter-gatherer has been remarkably consistent: hunters skilled in living off mainly meat, with plants as occasional supplements. It’s an image deeply embedded in popular culture, in documentaries and even in modern…
In Colombia, the hippos originally imported by Pablo Escobar have become an ecological menace. Initially introduced for his private zoo, their population has surged to over eighty, wreaking havoc on local waterways. Their excrement disrupts the delicate balance of river ecology, depleting oxygen levels and triggering harmful algal blooms. Addressing this invasive species poses significant…
Along with Russia, the United States possesses nearly 90% of all nuclear weapons on Earth. The country has over 5,044 total warheads and is known to have the most balanced and heavily maintained strategic triad delivery systems. While it has no need to amp up on developing more nuclear weapons, it needs to urgently clear…
Green roofs offer a solution to urban heat by absorbing sunlight and releasing water. Vegetation shades surfaces and evapotranspiration naturally cools surrounding areas. These living roofs also manage rainwater and provide habitats for urban wildlife. Extensive and intensive systems cater to different building needs and budgets. Cities worldwide are adopting green roofs to combat rising…
Industrial plants release vast amounts of carbon dioxide every day, yet much of the conversation around cutting those emissions has focused on capturing the gas and storing it underground. Turning it into something useful has always been a more attractive idea, but one that has struggled outside laboratory conditions. Factory exhaust is not made up…
SpaceX has been achieving many of its targets these days, even by accident. After months of anticipation, a discarded upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is believed to have careened into the Moon early Wednesday morning near the Einstein Crater. It exploded on impact, causing a flash that may have been visible from…
Egg oiling helps protect vulnerable Sage-Grouse by reducing raven numbers. Common ravens are among the most intelligent birds in the world. Over the years, raven numbers have increased in many places because they benefit from food and nesting sites linked to human activity. According to USGS research, from 1966 to 2018, raven numbers across North…
Honey bees are one of the most important insects across the globe. The buzzing bees do more than just make sweet nectar, they pollinate crops, maintain ecosystems and produce natural goods. According to the UN Environment Programme, they directly contribute to food security and a third of the world’s food production depends on bees. However,…
Scientists reviewed 54 Asian oak species; 40 had no backup in any botanical collection A detailed study of 54 Asian oak species has found that 40 have no living backup in any botanical garden around the world. This means that nearly three-quarters of the trees could disappear completely if their wild populations are lost.One of…
Representative Image of Democritus teaching early ideas about atoms in ancient Greece (AI-generated image) Two people can look at the world around them and reach completely different conclusions about what is actually there. One sees a vast, cluttered inventory of distinct things, colours, tastes, textures, each apparently real in its own right. The other looks…
