#Scientific Discoveries

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Gay Gaer Luce - Body Time - Bantam - 1973

[dropsofsciencenews]

A Record-Breaking Old Bean

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Can a seed be among the largest ever recorded in the fossil record, represent the first evidence of migration between tectonic plates towards the Australian region, and also be the only known ancestor of the Moreton Bay chestnut (Castanospermum australe)?

The answer is a resounding yes.

Who are we talking about? Its name is Jantungspermum gunnellii, a leguminous plant dating back to the Eocene period, approximately 34-40 million years ago. The discovery of this plant was the result of extreme determination and, perhaps, a bit of luck. Collecting fossils in southern Borneo is a considerable challenge: most of the surface rocks are constantly eroded by heavy tropical rains, covered by dense vegetation, and in many cases, overshadowed by buildings or agricultural land. Despite these difficulties, in 2014, a team of researchers collected three large fossil seeds from the seams of a coal mine in South Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, the largest of which measured 7.2 cm in length, along with 43 leaves and two pollen samples. All the material was brought to the laboratory for detailed analysis.

To the great surprise of the researchers, the seeds found appear to be ancient relatives of the Castanospermum genus, of which today only one species exists worldwide. However, this lineage hides further surprises linked to tectonic movements. The collision between the tectonic plates of Southeast Asia and Australia, which began about 20 million years ago and is still ongoing, has led to a significant exchange of plant and animal species between these land masses. During the Cenozoic era, the area was affected by two major geological events: the Asia-India and Sahul-Sunda collisions. Sahul is part of the continental platform of the Australian continent and lies off the coasts of Australia, while Sunda is part of the Eurasian plate. The contact and collision between these regions allowed numerous plant lineages from Australia to migrate to Asia. This is evident from the fact that species found in the Asian fossil records are also present in the older Australian fossil records, suggesting that these plants initially evolved in Australia and later colonized Asia, providing a clear temporal signal of the migration.

But could the plants have made the reverse journey, from Asia to Australia? The rarity of plant macrofossils from Sunda has so far limited the understanding of pre-collision vegetation and the plants that migrated from Sunda to Sahul. Evidence in this regard was scarce and mainly based on palynological and molecular data. Until now. The discovery of this seed has provided the first macrofossil evidence of a plant evolutionary line that moved from Asia to Australia. Since Jantungspermum belongs to the same subfamily as Castanospermum, we can also hypothesize how the seeds may have dispersed. Today, Castanospermum disperses its seeds using floating, salt-tolerant pods that can travel for kilometers in rivers and oceans, especially after storm events. The fossil seeds of Jantungspermum were recovered from the upper Tambak Member (a member is a part of a geological formation distinguishable from the rest of the formation by its lithological characteristics) in a coastal depositional paleoenvironments, probably brackish, suggesting that their pods traveled a significant distance, similarly to its descendants, from the riparian parent plant before disintegrating and releasing their seeds.

The incredibility of this seed does not end here. These fossils also represent the oldest legume fossils in the Malay Archipelago. Moreover, the seeds are among the largest ever recorded in the fossil record, excluding coconuts and some other palms. They likely grew in a pod that reached the length of a baseball bat and could contain up to five seeds. The name Jantungspermum gunnellii derives from the Indonesian word "Jantung," which means heart, in reference to the shape of the fossil seed. "Spermum" means seed in Latin, while the specific term "gunnellii" is a tribute to the late Gregg Gunnell, a vertebrate paleontologist formerly at the Duke University Lemur Center, who led the expedition.

There are still many stories buried beneath the rock, and sometimes, a small yet big seed can reveal one of them.

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[pebblegalaxy]

Unveiling the Dark Universe: Exploring the Secrets of Dark Matter and Dark Energy With Euclid Space Telescope

The Euclid space telescope, named after the Greek mathematician Euclid, has begun its momentous million-mile journey from Florida to explore the mysteries of the universe. Weighing two tonnes and part of a $1 billion European Space Agency mission, it was launched into space aboard Elon Musk’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral on July 1, 2023.Euclid’s primary objective is to observe and…

[muskiblogs]

Gravity and Its Mysteries: The Force That Binds Us

Have you ever wondered why we stay grounded on Earth instead of floating into space? Or why does an apple fall from a tree? 

The answer lies in gravity a fascinating force that plays a crucial role in our daily lives and the universe at large. Understanding gravity not only helps us grasp basic physics concepts but also unlocks the mysteries of how celestial bodies interact, how we move, and how the universe works.

Why is Gravity Important?

Gravity is more than just a force that keeps our feet on the ground; it has far-reaching effects in various aspects of life and science:

Keeps Us Grounded: Without gravity, everything on Earth would float away! This force is what allows us to walk, run, and jump. Everyday activities like pouring a drink or playing sports depend on gravity.

Shapes the Universe: Gravity is the reason planets orbit the sun, moons orbit planets, and galaxies hold together. It influences the formation and evolution of celestial bodies. Without gravity, there would be no stars, planets, or even life as we know it.

Guides Scientific Discovery: Understanding gravity leads to breakthroughs in physics, space exploration, and even technology, such as satellite systems. It has practical applications in everything from designing roller coasters to launching spacecraft.

The Basics of Gravity

Gravity is a fundamental force of nature, and here's how it works:

Fun Facts About Gravity

Weightlessness in Space: Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) experience microgravity, giving them the sensation of weightlessness. This happens because the ISS is in free fall, creating an environment similar to being in zero gravity. This phenomenon allows scientists to conduct experiments that wouldn’t be possible on Earth.

Black Holes: These cosmic phenomena have gravitational pulls so strong that not even light can escape them. They form when massive stars collapse under their own gravity. The study of black holes has led to new insights into the nature of space and time.

Gravitational Waves: In 2015, scientists detected ripples in spacetime caused by two black holes merging. This discovery confirmed a key prediction of Einstein’s theory of general relativity and opened a new field of astronomy. Gravitational waves are now used to explore some of the universe's most violent events.

Gravity on Other Planets: Gravity varies on different planets. For example, Mars has about 38% of Earth's gravity, which means you would weigh much less there. This difference is crucial for understanding how astronauts would live and work on other planets.

Learning About Gravity

For students in Class 12, understanding gravity is essential. It is not only part of the curriculum but also foundational knowledge for advanced studies in physics, engineering, and astronomy. To help with your studies, exploring resources that explain these concepts clearly can be beneficial.

YouTube playlists dedicated to physics are fantastic resources that break down complex ideas into simple, engaging lessons. The 2024 best YouTube channel for students provides relatable examples and interactive visuals that make learning fun and accessible for everyone.

Conclusion

Gravity is a mysterious and powerful force that shapes our world and the universe. From keeping us grounded to influencing the motion of galaxies, gravity plays a crucial role in many aspects of life. By understanding gravity, we gain insight into the workings of the universe, which can inspire us to explore further.

If you have thoughts or questions about gravity or how it affects our lives, we’d love to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to share your ideas and insights with us. Let’s keep the conversation going as we explore the wonders of the universe together!

[trendstorm]

The Future of Fast Charging | Charging Phones in Under a Minute

Discover how scientists at CU Boulder are revolutionizing energy storage! By understanding how ions move through tiny pores, they’re paving the way for ultra-fast charging in devices like supercapacitors. This breakthrough could drastically improve the efficiency of energy storage in everything from smartphones to electric vehicles, even power grids. Learn how their research updates Kirchhoff’s law and what it means for the future of energy storage!

Source: University of Colorado at Boulder.

#energy #supercapacitor #universityofcolorado #trendstorm #fastcharging #energystorage #techinnovation #smartphonetech #battery #quickcharge #fastcharging #fastcharger #futuretech #electricvehicles #sustainableenergy #techbreakthroughs #mobilecharging #nextgentechnology #nextgen #charging #energyefficiency #techadvancements #batterytechnology #superfastcharging #physicscommunity #cuboulder #kirchhoffslaw #powergrid #renewableenergy #futuretechnology #advancedmaterials

[townpostin]

D.B.M.S. Kadma High School to Host Science Exhibition 'Science Unleashed' on July 18

D.B.M.S. Kadma High School in Jamshedpur is set to organize a science exhibition titled ‘Science Unleashed’ on Thursday, July 18, 2024. The event will showcase innovative projects and scientific discoveries by students, with Mr. Shantanu Bhattacharjee, ex-Chief Scientist of NML, as the chief guest. JAMSHEDPUR – D.B.M.S. Kadma High School will hold a science exhibition, ‘Science Unleashed,’ on…

[wordsmusicandstories]

Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla was born on 10 July 1856 to Serbian parents in present-day Croatia. He was an electrical engineer and scientist whose inventions include the Tesla coil, still used in radio technology, and the alternating current (AC) electrical system, which is the predominant electrical system used worldwide today. He also discovered the rotating magnetic field. He was a pioneer of many of the…

[techtoio]

How Big Data Analytics is Changing Scientific Discoveries

Introduction

In the contemporary world of the prevailing sciences and technologies, big data analytics becomes a powerful agent in such a way that scientific discoveries are being orchestrated. At Techtovio, we explore this renewed approach to reshaping research methodologies for better data interpretation and new insights into its hastening process. Read to continue

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[bloomingbiz]

AI AGAINST LobbyistS: How to Fight Against Political Bribery and Government Corruption 2024!

May 6  Written By Michael Segaline   Abstract: Bottom Line Up Front: While the frequency of lobbyist donations is increasing, the donation amount is random.   This study investigates the predictability of yearly lobbyist donations using a Random Forest model. The null hypothesis posits that the yearly distribution of lobbyist donations is random and unpredictable, while the alternative…

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Welcome to Time Spectators, the ultimate destination for those who dare to gaze beyond the veil of reality. Our channel is a treasure trove of content that spans the scientific to the supernatural, the captivating to the creepy. We offer a window into the world of the weird and wonderful, providing a unique blend of spine-tingling scares and awe-inspiring knowledge. Dive into our videos for a glimpse of the extraordinary, and join us on a journey through time and mystery. Hit subscribe and become a Time Spectator, where every view is a step into the astonishing unknown.

[dropsofsciencenews]

Recognizing Oneself in Another… Literally!

Have you ever observed something and suddenly noticed a detail that doesn’t fit? Sometimes, this kind of surprise can lead to an incredible discovery—especially if you’re looking at a tank full of ctenophores.

But what are ctenophores? They are transparent, delicate, hermaphroditic marine organisms that reproduce sexually. They live mainly in the open ocean and are known for their glowing beauty and iridescent bands. The name "Ctenophora" comes from the Greek "ktenos" (comb) and "phoros" (bearer), referring to the characteristic comb-like cilia they use for movement. Although they are often mistaken for jellyfish, they belong to a different phylum.

Now imagine you are in a laboratory, in front of a tank filled with Mnemiopsis leidyi, also known as the sea walnut, one of the most notorious invasive species of ctenophores in the world. This species can eat up to ten times its body weight each day, starving entire ecosystems by devouring everything at the base of the food chain. As you observe closely, something catches your eye: an unusually large individual with two posterior ends and two apical organs instead of one. No, you’re not seeing double—it’s a single ctenophore. This peculiar observation led a group of Japanese scientists to ask a question: could it be possible that these ctenophores, likely injured during collection, fused their bodies during healing, taking advantage of the limited space in the tank?

To answer this question, the scientists decided to test their hypothesis through an experiment. They partially removed lobes from other individuals, placing them in close contact and securing them in dissection dishes. The result? In nine out of ten cases, the injuries fused overnight, creating a continuous strip of tissue. These fused animals managed to survive for at least three weeks.

But the discovery doesn’t end here. After just one night, the two original individuals had become one, with no visible signs of separation. When researchers stimulated one lobe, the entire fused body reacted with synchronized contractions. Not only that, but their digestive systems had fused as well! When one of the mouths ingested fluorescently colored food, the particles could be observed passing through the fused channel and being expelled from both anal orifices, albeit not simultaneously.

These results demonstrate not only the unique behavior of these extraordinary animals but also suggest that M. leidyi might lack allorecognition—the ability to distinguish between oneself and others—a mechanism that prevents fusion between individuals of the same species. In humans, this ability is what causes the rejection of transplanted organs. Ctenophores are among the oldest animal groups among current metazoans, possess a unique nervous system, and their lack of allorecognition could help us better understand when this mechanism evolved in animals.

See you soon and Good Science!

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[thewitfire]

Innovative Scientific Discoveries Across Disciplines

Innovative Scientific Discoveries Across Disciplines. #sciencenews #news

Innovative Scientific Discoveries: The quest for knowledge is a defining trait of humanity, and innovative scientific discoveries are at the heart of this quest. From uncovering previously unknown species that expand the tree of life, to groundbreaking advancements in genetic research that promise to revolutionize medicine, these discoveries highlight the ingenuity and relentless pursuit of…

[beausbugbiome]

Y’all, I am SO excited about this new beetle that was just discovered!!!!

The freshly-discovered new species of longhorn beetle, Excastra albopilosa. Image credit: James Tweed

Detailed photographs of the Excastra albopilosa specimen found by James Tweed. Image credits: Lingzi Zhou, Australian National Insect Collection

[bluebuddhacanada]

The perceptions surrounding shrooms (magic mushrooms) and cannabis have been transforming. Once considered taboos, cannabis and magic mushrooms in Vancouver, British Columbia, are now being viewed through a more informed and open-minded lens.

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Science and Nature Trivia: Explore the Wonders of the Natural World - Trivia

Test your knowledge of science and nature with these engaging trivia questions! Discover fascinating facts about the universe, animals, and scientific discoveries. How well do you know the world around you?

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