Astronomers have discovered a massive molecular cloud that is also a huge possible star producer — of the celestial sort.The cloud has been hiding in plain sight. Astronomers just needed the right tools to see one of the largest single structures in the sky and among the closest to the sun and Earth ever to be detected. By using a new technique, they detected the cloud's key component — molecular hydrogen, the scientists report in Nature Astronomy. “The data showed glowing hydrogen molecul ...read more
Scientists may have gotten the evolutionary origins of some of the strangest animals on the planet backward. They’ve long thought that monotremes — egg-laying mammals that include the platypus and hedgehog-like creatures known as echidnas — originated on land. The platypus took the occasional aquatic foray, making it semi-aquatic, while echidnas stayed out of the water, the thinking went.But new analysis of a bone found 30 years ago may mean that theory requires a revision. A single humeru ...read more
Crocodiles are masters of survival. These ancient reptiles have been around for about 90 million years, outlasting dinosaurs and enduring multiple extinction events. Around 5 million years ago, they crossed from Africa to the Americas and evolved into the four species known in the region today.Scientists have long known that the so-called "neotropical" crocodiles are widespread, living in a mix of coastal zones, remote inland areas, and scattered islands. But human activity has severely impacted ...read more
Whether we’re apartment hunting or planning our next getaway, the amount and quality of nearby nature often plays a big role. Surrounding ourselves with greenery isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s good for our minds. Time spent in green spaces can reduce stress, sharpen our focus, and boost creativity, all while lifting our mood. But the perks don’t stop there. Green spaces can also improve air quality and lower noise pollution — real benefits, especially in urban environments.Unfort ...read more
In July 2024, scientists in Otago, New Zealand, made a stunning discovery: an elusive spade-toothed beaked whale had washed up on the shore. The whale had never been seen in the wild, and finding a recently deceased adult male meant that, for the first time, scientists could examine the species — an animal around the size of an oversized dolphin that had successfully evaded humans for much of human history.Alexander Werth, a biologist at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, received a call from ...read more
Author Vishay SinghPosted on Categories Discover Magazine