Latest from Science News: How ancient oceans of magma may have boosted Earth’s oxygen levels

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9/3/19 How ancient oceans of magma may have boosted Earth’s oxygen levels Chemical reactions involving iron could have increased the amount of oxygen-rich compounds in early Earth’s mantle, lab experiments suggest. Read More Human meddling has manipulated the shapes of different dog breeds’ brains By analyzing the shape of different dog breeds’ brains, researchers show how humans have manipulated the animals’ brain anatomy. Read More Fly fossils might challenge the idea of ancient trilobites’ crystal eyes Fossilized crane flies from 54 million years ago probably got their crystal lenses after death. Read More A predicted superconductor might work at a record-breaking 200° Celsius A material made of hydrogen, lithium and magnesium and squeezed to high pressures may be a superconductor even at especially high temperatures. Read More Stone tools may place some of the first Americans in Idaho 16,500 years ago Newly discovered stone artifacts support the idea that North America’s first settlers traveled down the Pacific coast and then turned eastward.   Read More There’s no evidence that a ‘gay gene’ exists Many genetic factors with small effects combine with one’s environment to influence sexual behavior, researchers say.   Read More Clumps of cells in the lab spontaneously formed brain waves Nerve cells fired coordinated signals in brain organoids, 3-D clusters of cells that mimic some aspects of early brain development. Read More 50 years ago, scientists thought they knew why geckos had sticky feet 50 years ago, scientists thought gecko feet had suction cups that allowed the animals to stick to surfaces. Today we know tiny hairs do the job.   Read More A 3.8-million-year-old skull reveals the face of Lucy’s possible ancestors A fossilized hominid skull found in an Ethiopian desert illuminates the earliest-known Australopithecus species. Read More A chip made with carbon nanotubes, not silicon, marks a computing milestone Silicon’s reign in cutting-edge electronics may soon over. The carbon nanotube could be its successor.   Read More Textile archaeologists use ancient tools to weave a tapestry of the past Using tools leftover from ancient spindles and looms, textile archaeologists are starting to understand the fabrics of the past.  Read More A historic opioid trial highlights what we know about the deadly drugs An Oklahoma judge finds that Johnson & Johnson must pay $572 million to the state for the company’s role in the epidemic.   Read More 5 of Jupiter’s newly discovered moons received names in a public contest Astronomers first announced the discovery of the worlds in July 2018, and have now named them for goddesses and spirits of Greek and Roman mythology.  Read More Fecal transplants might help make koalas less picky eaters Poop-transplant pills changed the microbial makeup of koalas’ guts. That could allow the animals to adapt when a favorite type of eucalyptus runs low. Read More Plant-based fire retardants may offer a less toxic way to tame flames Flame retardants created from plant materials could be less harmful to the environment than traditional flame-smothering chemicals. Read More Honeybee brain upgrades may help the insects find food Changes in honeybee neurons may help the insects decode their fellow foragers’ waggle dances.   Read More Privacy policy  |  Update Profile  | Manage Subscriptions  |   Unsubscribe This email was sent by: Society for Science & the Public 1719 N Street NW Washington, DC, 20036, US