Scientists have spent years assembling evidence to fill out the intricate Neanderthal timeline from emergence to extinction, and the latest update has cemented a date for Neanderthal interbreeding with humans. A new pair of studies published in the journal Science sheds light on the duration of gene flow between Neanderthals and humans, confirming that it lasted from approximately 50,500 years to 43,500 years ago. The two collaborative studies — involving a team of researchers from University ...read more
When studying the outer planets of our solar system, there’s no solid ground. Literally. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune all lack solid surfaces, and are actually composed of clouds of swirling gases, all with their own seasons and storms. Since 2014, the Hubble Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) program has observed these planets to track their strange systems of weather. The observations have shown that there are all sorts of curiosities within the planets’ churning clouds, from t ...read more
If you’re swimming across a thriving coral reef, you may mistakenly believe you floated upon a giant underwater human brain.Brain coral is a hard coral, also known as a stony coral or reef builder. They cluster into colonies and ultimately create the foundation for a reef to form, giving soft corals and many other marine species a place to call home.These magnificently grooved creatures, from which they get their name, are key parts of a healthy reef.How Brain Coral Got Its NameHard corals lik ...read more
As 2024 winds down, so too is the Geminid meteor shower. One of the final meteor showers of the year began on December 2, 2024 and is expected to peak on the nights of December 12 and December 13. Stargazers could have the opportunity to see hundreds of meteors streak across the sky. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for this spectacular meteor shower. How Long Will the Geminid Meteor Shower Be Active?According to the American Meteor Society (AMS), the Geminid meteor shower will b ...read more
Better understanding of the pathways between the gut and the brain could lead to more effective treatments for both mood and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.Researchers experimented in mice to better map those pathways, including a nerve that serves as a highway for serotonin — a chemical that plays a key role in depression and anxiety. The experiments indicated that aiming medication for depression and anxiety toward the gut may prove more effective than the current approach of targeting the ...read more
Author Vishay SinghPosted on Categories Discover Magazine