Author

Alicia Cronin

Secrets of ancient rivers: the world’s oldest waterways

by Alicia Cronin October 1, 2024

Rivers are not only the source of life, but also hold many fascinating secrets. For example, the Finke River in Australia, known to the indigenous people as the Larapinta, is considered the oldest river on the planet.

Experts estimate it to be 350-400 million years old. It flows only after heavy precipitation and its source is in the McDonnell Mountains. Indigenous Australian legends tell of the creation of the river by the Rainbow Serpent.

In North America, the oldest river on record is the New River. Its length is about 550 km, and its age, according to some experts, reaches 360 million years.

Nature

Fifty perfectly preserved Viking skeletons have been found in Denmark

by Alicia Cronin October 1, 2024

During excavations in Denmark archaeologists managed to find 50 perfectly preserved skeletons of Vikings, which can significantly change our understanding of the life of the peoples who once inhabited Scandinavia.

According to Michael Borre Lundo, the work leader from the Odense Museum, the unique soil conditions and the high water table have contributed to the preservation of the remains.

“Usually we only find a few teeth, but here we find whole skeletons,” Lundo emphasized. Among the artifacts found in the graves are knives, beads and glass brooches dating from 850-970.

Animals

Bear, lion, wolf: who is the most efficient predator on Earth?

by Alicia Cronin October 1, 2024

Recent research conducted at Deakin University in Australia has shed light on an interesting question: solitary predators such as tigers and brown bears kill more animals compared to social predators such as wolves and lions.
However, it is important to keep in mind that prey size plays a significant role in this process as well. A lone predator may catch a large deer that will provide it with calories much better than many smaller animals.

Animals

How do sharks smell blood underwater?

by Alicia Cronin October 1, 2024

Scientists have uncovered the amazing ability of sharks to detect odors in the ocean. These predators, possessing a unique olfactory system, can pick up the odor of their prey at considerable distances. Their nasal cavities are not designed for breathing, but serve to filter seawater, where sensory cells are located that send signals to the brain.

Sharks are able to smell “in stereo,” which helps them pinpoint the direction in which an odor source is located. Studies show that some species, such as the great white shark and tiger shark, have the largest olfactory apparatuses and this indicates a high sensitivity to odors.

Animals

The oldest crocodile on Earth will soon celebrate its 124th birthday

by Alicia Cronin October 1, 2024

Henry the crocodile will be 124 years old in December and is already recognized as the oldest member of his species on the planet.
Henry has lived an amazing life. He has fathered over 10,000 offspring during his stay at the Crocworld Conservation Center in South Africa since 1985. The longhorn was born around 1900 in the Okavango River Delta. He reaches a length of over 5 meters and weighs approximately 700 kg.

Animals

The secrets of regeneration: how organisms determine the extent of damage

by Alicia Cronin October 1, 2024

A new study from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research explains how African killifish regenerate their caudal fins after injury. Led by Augusto Ortega Granillo, Ph.D., the team found that the duration of the cells’ active response to injury is critical for successful regeneration.

Skin cells around the damage and in the removed areas trigger a genetic program that prepares the body for repair. The extracellular matrix, like a sponge, absorbs signals from damaged tissue, guiding the cells to get to work.

Animals

Parrots attack: Argentine city suffers bird infestation

by Alicia Cronin October 1, 2024

The town of Hilario-Ascasubi has a real parrot problem. Thousands of green, yellow and red birds have filled the streets, damaging electrical cables and causing frequent blackouts.
Biologists say this invasion is due to deforestation in the surrounding hills, forcing the birds to seek food and shelter in the cities.
Each year the parrots are to the city in the fall and winter, with as many as 50,000 birds per 5,000 local citizens. In the summer, they migrate south to Patagonia to breed.

Science

Family restores artwork using bacteria

by Alicia Cronin October 1, 2024

In Valencia, microbiologist Pilar Bosch and her mother, restorer Pilar Roig, have joined forces in a unique project to restore 18th century paintings using bacteria.
The idea came about when Bosch, while choosing a topic for her doctoral dissertation, came across an article on the use of bacteria to clean frescoes in Italy.

The €4 million project is funded by local foundations. Bosch trains the bacteria to produce enzymes to break down the collagen-based glue used in 1960s restorations.

Science

Physicists have created an electromagnetic vortex cannon

by Alicia Cronin October 1, 2024

A group of physicists has combined vortex rings and electromagnetism to develop a unique electromagnetic vortex gun. Vortex rings that form in liquids and gases are created by sudden changes in pressure.

The researchers demonstrated how these rings can be generated using radially polarized antennas. They succeeded in achieving the formation of rotating structures of electromagnetic waves.

Recent experiments have shown: the shape and energy of microwave toroidal pulses can be maintained over long distances, which opens new horizons in wireless technologies. These pulses have unique topological characteristics and high stability, which is why they are so promising for data transmission.

Science

The beginning of the Anthropocene: a new study defines a timeline

by Alicia Cronin October 1, 2024

A recent study by a team of scientists led by Michinobu Kuwae defines the beginning of the Anthropocene, an era when human impact on Earth became significant.

The scientists analyzed data on human impact at 137 sites around the world over the past 7,700 years and identified three key periods: from 1855 to 1890, from 1909 to 1944, and from 1948 to 1953.

The latter period, according to the researchers, most clearly demonstrates global anthropogenic impact, coinciding with the beginning of the nuclear age and the advent of microplastics.

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