Scientists have unveiled new information about the smell associated with a fresh rainfall, according to a study published in “Nature Microbiology.” Volatile compounds that aid soil microbes appear to be responsible for odors after rainfall. Our sense of smell is incredibly sensitive. […]
The formerly designated planet Pluto may have once looked far different than it does today, CNN reported. Now a frozen planet that reaches nearly -400 degrees Fahrenheit, the celestial body may have once been hot and played host to bodies of water. Our knowledge of Pluto is still limited. […]
Scientists now know why a color looks brighter or darker against gradient backgrounds, Science Alert reported. The common optical illusion has to do with the actual light emitted from the image rather than our analysis of gradients. Our brains deceive us surprisingly often. […]
Early dinosaurs and marine reptiles left evidence of soft-shelled egg-laying, according to a new study published in “Nature.” The study includes analysis of findings from two early dino species—Protoceratops and Mussaurus—that were compared to other diapsids. Egg evolution helped reptiles spread further across land. […]
A dead giant squid, mostly intact, recently washed up on a South African beach, “Live Science” reported. These creatures rarely end up on a beach, let alone in such a state—most have decayed or been picked over by underwater scavengers. Giant squid inhabit the deep sea pelagic zone of the ocean. […]
Scientists have analyzed the stomach contents of a 110-million-year-old dinosaur, according to a recently published paper. Most of the partially-digested food is multiple species of plant matter, though small amounts of wood and charcoal were also detected. The dino world is due for some mythbusting. […]
Astronaut Kathy Sullivan, the first woman to walk in space, has visited the ocean’s deepest point, Science Alert reported. Now, Sullivan has become the first woman to reach the ocean’s deepest point, seven miles beneath the surface in the Mariana Trench. Life at that depth is cold, dark, and strange. […]
DNA tests of the Dead Sea Scrolls revealed some of the parchments originated far away, Science Alert reported. It was long believed that all of the scrolls, which were found between 1947 and 1954, were made in the Qumran caves near the Dead Sea. Their original discovery changed the religious world. […]
Offsetting greenhouse gas emissions could soon prove lucrative to farmers, Reuters reported. A new bill would have the USDA create a program that incentivizes combating climate change for farmers. The specter of climate change affects the global economy. […]
Some Martian volcanoes ooze a clumpy flow of mud, complicating geographical studies, The Weather Channel reported. The unique atmosphere and environment on Mars lead to the mud flow, making it difficult for scientists to tell whether some of the planet’s features result from lava or not. The atmosphere of Mars is full of wonders. […]
© The Teaching Company, LLC. All rights reserved.