Science News

1. Unusual 200-Million-Year-Old Pterosaur Fossil Unlocks Secrets of Flying Reptile Evolution

   A complete specimen reveals how pterosaurs evolved from early forms into the massive giants of later periods. The pterosaurs were extinct flying reptiles that lived alongside their close relatives, the dinosaurs. While the largest pterosaurs reached wingspans of up to 10 meters, earlier forms were typically limited to around 2 meters. In a newly published [...]

2. NASA’s Groundbreaking Artificial Star to Decode Dark Energy Mysteries

   The Landolt NASA Space Mission, hosted by George Mason University, will orbit an artificial star to refine telescope calibrations and astrophysical measurements. This project aims to advance the accuracy of scientific data concerning the universe’s expansion and celestial properties. George Mason University will lead the $19.5 million Landolt NASA Space Mission, a groundbreaking project that [...]

3. Brain Development Continues Far Beyond Birth, Study Finds

   New research shows the brain continues developing post-birth, with significant neuron migration in the entorhinal cortex enhancing learning and memory capabilities. The human brain continues to develop long after birth, much longer than previously thought, according to research led by Shawn Sorrells, an assistant professor of neuroscience at the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts [...]

4. Can We Stop Mercury Poisoning? Scientists Identify the Missing Link

   Scientists discovered that SAM plays a critical role in the production of methylmercury, a highly toxic compound that contaminates seafood. Their findings could aid efforts to reduce methylmercury’s environmental impact. Mercury is highly toxic, but it becomes particularly dangerous when converted into methylmercury—a form so harmful that even a few billionths of a gram can [...]

5. When Memories Clash: How the Brain Chooses Between Love and Hunger

   A study found that male worms’ brains can activate conflicting memories, but behavior is driven by the more beneficial one. This research sheds light on how brains prioritize information, offering insights into conditions like PTSD. A new study by UCL researchers reveals that two conflicting memories can simultaneously be activated in a worm’s brain, even [...]