Scientists have recently discovered an extraordinary fossil. It may not be all that big or impressive to the untrained eye, but it has the opportunity to change what we know about ancient (and modern) life. This amazing fossilized creature is one of the earliest ancestors of a group of animals known as arthropods. By studying this fossil, expert scientists will better understand the organisms of today. A Variety of Fossils Source: Unsplash / Mac Cervantes When most think about fossils, they probably think of dinosaurs. Most dinosaur fossils are bones that have been preserved in the ground and turned to…
Author: Nicole McFadden
The modern world could not operate without the invention of the computer. Complex computers run essentially every part of our contemporary lives—look, you’re on one right now! You may think that the computer was invented in the 20th century… and you’d actually be very wrong. A form of the computer has existed for an incredibly long time. The Antikythera mechanism is the first analog computer that modern humans have discovered. We rescued it from the sea floor over a century ago now, and its secrets still remain largely unanswered. A Discovery of Sunken Treasure Source: Wikimedia Commons / Jimmyoneill In…
For decades, scientists have been intensely focused on determining the origin of the giant space rock responsible for the massive extinction of the dinosaurs about 66 million years ago. This cataclysmic event reshaped Earth’s biodiversity and sparked numerous theories and debates among researchers. Recent studies have advanced this discussion, offering compelling evidence that a deadly asteroid might have originated from a specific far-away area in the asteroid belt. These new discoveries could significantly alter our understanding of Earth’s history, providing crucial insights into how cosmic events have impacted life on our planet and helping us prepare for potential future encounters…
An amateur archaeologist from Britain has made an amazing discovery that shines a new light on the ancient world. His research posits that cave art throughout Europe may contain a primitive writing system which has yet to be deciphered. This system, used by ancient hunter-gatherers during the last Ice Age, could dramatically alter our understanding of prehistoric communication and cognition. Ben Bacon is an amateur archaeologist who works in the furniture conservation business. He has been long-fascinated by the ancient cave art across Europe. His findings suggest that these ancient symbols are not merely artistic expressions but may represent a…
In 2021, billionaire Jared Isaacman self-funded a mission to orbit Earth, which was presented as a fundraiser for childhood cancer. This marked a dramatic entry into private space tourism. The four-person crew, made up of diverse individuals with no prior spaceflight experience, spent three days orbiting Earth in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. After returning to Earth, Isaacman believed it would be his last trip to space. “We kind of checked every one of the boxes we set out to achieve,” he said, and thought, “maybe the bar was set sufficiently high that this was a good time to stop.”…
Scientists may soon discover a breakthrough that could change flight as we know it. The University of Nottingham has launched a £5.3 million ($6.76 million) research program that could result in major changes in aerospace engineering. The new program aims to develop a cutting-edge cryogenic hydrogen-electric propulsion system. This new research program is part of a broader GKN Aerospace-led £44 million H2FlyGHT project. What is Net-Zero Air Travel? Source: Pixabay / StockSnap Flying is far from environmentally friendly. Those that are environmentally conscious desire to change this. Net-zero air travel means that there is no combustion of fossil jet fuel.…
A group of scientists have recently discovered a unique form of cell messaging which occurs in the human brain. It has never been seen before. This neurological discovery reveals that our brains may be even more powerful at computation than we realized before. Brain Electrical Activity Source: Pixabay / TheDigitalArtist In 2020, researchers from Germany and Greece discovered a new signaling mechanism in the brain’s cortical cells that produces a unique ‘graded’ signal independently. This mechanism may offer neurons an additional method for performing their logical functions. By examining the electrical activity in tissue samples taken from epileptic patients during…
In school, most of us were taught that there are seven continents on our planet: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Antarctica, and Oceania (or Australia). However, new research suggests that we should forget everything we think we know about Earth’s continents. A new study, published in the journal Gondwana Research, controversially claims that we actually only have six continents. Detailed Research About Geological Processes Source: Pexels / Aaditya Arora A group of researchers have analyzed the geological processes of Earth. Specifically, they looked into the continental breakup of Eurasia and North America. They wanted to know how these…
The natural world never fails to remind us that whatever feats we humans accomplish, nature can often do better. Despite the marvels humans create—from impressive monuments to towering skyscrapers—they pale in comparison to the awe-inspiring wonders shaped by planet Earth itself. One of the most striking examples of this phenomenon is the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon and the mysteries that lie within it. This canyon is a natural masterpiece that holds the title of the largest land-based canyon on the planet. This immense canyon showcases the raw power of nature… and it is home to a pretty awesome tree. The…
The state of Utah in the United States is home to many impressive, majestic, and interesting geological structures. One such geological structure is aptly called a natural arch—these giant rocks are shaped into an arch by erosion. Last week, one famous arch called Double Arch collapsed. Park visitors were saddened by the loss of this popular natural landmark, but experts said that the collapse was unavoidable. The Collapse of Double Arch Source: National Park Service Double Arch was an intriguing and beautiful landmark in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in southern Utah. It collapsed on August 8th, 2024. It was…