Even the oldest eukaryote fossils show dazzling diversity and complexity
The sun has just set on a quiet mudflat in Australia’s Northern Territory; it’ll set again in another 19 hours. A young moon looms large over the desolate landscape. No animals scurry in the waning light. No leaves rustle in the breeze. No lichens encr…
Beaches and dunes globally squeezed by roads and buildings
Beaches and dunes globally squeezed by roads and buildings. Beaches and dunes are becoming increasingly trapped between rising sea levels and infrastructure. Researchers found that today, when dropped on a random beach anywhere in the world, you only n…
Scientists identify how dietary restriction slows brain aging and increases lifespan
Restricting calories is known to improve health and increase lifespan, but much of how it does so remains a mystery, especially in regard to how it protects the brain. Scientists have now uncovered a role for a gene called OXR1 that is necessary for th…
Catalytic combo converts CO2 to solid carbon nanofibers
Scientists have developed a way to convert carbon dioxide (CO2), a potent greenhouse gas, into carbon nanofibers, materials with a wide range of unique properties and many potential long-term uses. Their strategy uses tandem electrochemical and thermoc…
Oldest known fossilized skin is 21 million years older than previous examples
Researchers have identified a 3D fragment of fossilized skin that is at least 21 million years than previously described skin fossils. The skin, which belonged to an early species of Paleozoic reptile, has a pebbled surface and most closely resembles c…
Astronomers make rare exoplanet discovery, and a giant leap in detecting Earth-like bodies
Astronomers have made the rare discovery of a small, cold exoplanet and its massive outer companion — shedding light on the formation of planets like Earth.