Science and technology

Mining Genetic data from the Black Sea Sediment Record

Instead of using a microscope to count the fossil skeletons found in sediment cores, WHOI scientists Marco Coolen looked for the genomic remains of plankton to study the past inhabitants of the Black Sea.

Puzzle of why the Penguin cannot Fly Solved

By looking at seabirds closely related to the penguin, scientists confirmed that a wing that is good for flying cannot also be good for diving and swimming. Penguin’s underwater prowess may have cost it its flying ability.

Fabric that Makes you Feel Fresh Despite Sweat

Summers might just become less smelly experience, as IIT-Delhi in partnership with an industrial firm has developed a fabric that cuts out smell and keeps it fresh for the wearer despite sweating.

Some male black spiders can eat female spiders

A new study has shown that the tendency of the Black Widow spider to consume a potential mate is also true of some types of male spider. Male spiders of the Micaria sociabilis species are more likely to eat the females than be eaten.

Genes show Europeans are one big family

Europeans are closely related to one another for the past thousand years, according to a new study of the DNA of people from across the continent. On a genealogical level, they can be traced back to the same set of ancestors.

Curiosity rover drills into second Martian rock

NASA’s Curiosity, ending a month-long hiatus, has bored a hole in a second rock and will transfer a pinch of powder to its onboard laboratories later this week for analysis. The latest drill site is nine feet away from the first one.

Herschel space telescope closes its eyes on universe

Europe’s Herschel space observatory — the largest infrared telescope ever launched — has stopped working after exhausting its supply of liquid helium coolant, ending nearly four years of functioning.

Milky Way black hole snacks on hot gas

The Herschel space observatory had made detailed observations of surprisingly hot gas that may be orbiting or falling towards the supermassive black hole lurking at the centre of our Milky Way galaxy. Herschel was an ESA mission.

Plants ‘talk’ to plants to help them grow

Having a neighbourly chat improves seed germination, says a study in BMC Ecology. Even when other known means of communi-cation, like contact, chemical and light-mediated signals, are blocked, chilli seeds grow better when grown with basil plants.