How glacier algae are challenging the way we think about evolution
People often underestimate tiny beings. But microscopic algal cells not only evolved to thrive in one of the most extreme habitats on Earth—glaciers—but are also shaping them.
People often underestimate tiny beings. But microscopic algal cells not only evolved to thrive in one of the most extreme habitats on Earth—glaciers—but are also shaping them.
Evolution
Jun 19, 2024
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After analyzing the remains of 64 ancient sacrificed individuals, most of whom were children, researchers have revealed new details about human sacrifice at the ancient Maya site of Chichén Itzá.
Archaeology
Jun 16, 2024
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88
We need two ingredients for life to start on a planet: dry land and (fresh) water. Strictly, the water doesn't have to be fresh, but fresh water can only occur on dry land.
Earth Sciences
Jun 8, 2024
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Every day, women are working on frontier science in Earth's unforgiving polar environments. Our study, published today in PLOS Climate, investigated what their experiences are actually like.
Earth Sciences
Jun 6, 2024
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As humanity continues to burn fossil fuels, the delicate balance of life on Earth is changing. That's true of trees, many of which are growing faster as a result of increased carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations in our atmosphere.
Ecology
Jun 6, 2024
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32
How do people successfully interact with those who are completely different from them? And can these differences create social barriers? Social scientists are struggling with these questions because the mental processes underlying ...
Social Sciences
Jun 4, 2024
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There are three ways to look for evidence of alien technological civilizations. One is to look out for deliberate attempts by them to communicate their existence, for example, through radio broadcasts. Another is to look ...
Astronomy
May 25, 2024
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When you think of a criminal investigation, you might picture detectives meticulously collecting and analyzing evidence found at the scene: weapons, biological fluids, footprints and fingerprints. However, this is just the ...
Biotechnology
May 25, 2024
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209
Imagine you're standing near the edge of the Antarctic Ice Sheet, gazing out over the ocean, when the ice near you starts to melt very rapidly. A surge of meltwater flows into the ocean. Surprisingly, you watch the sea level ...
Earth Sciences
May 24, 2024
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154
The Southern Ocean, a region critical to Earth's climate, hosts vast blooms of microscopic ocean plants known as phytoplankton. They form the very basis of the Antarctic food web.
Earth Sciences
May 16, 2024
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75