Myth, busted: Formation of Namibia’s fairy circles isn’t due to termites
Plants are "ecosystem engineers" that survive by forming optimal geometric patterns. Enlarge / Drone image of car driving through the NamibRand Nature Reserve, one of the fairy-circle regions in Namibia. (credit: Stephan Getzin).....»»
How did life get started on Earth? Atmospheric haze might have been the key
A recent study accepted to The Planetary Science Journal and currently posted to the arXiv preprint server investigates how the organic hazes that existed on Earth between the planet's initial formation and 500 million years afterwards, also known a.....»»
Researchers uncover source rocks of the first real continents
Geoscientists have uncovered a missing link in the enigmatic story of how the continents developed—a revised origin story that doesn't require the start of plate tectonics or any external factor to explain their formation. Instead, the findings pub.....»»
The moon is shrinking, causing moonquakes at the lunar south pole
New research from NASA suggests that the shrinking of the moon over time is causing moonquakes and the formation of faults near its south pole......»»
ALMA observations: Researchers reveal dynamic view of massive protocluster evolution
A team of researchers has jointly launched the ALMA Survey of Star formation and Evolution of Massive Protoclusters with Blue-profiles (ASSEMBLE) project. They revealed the growth in mass and density of cluster members, along with increasing proximit.....»»
Unveiling and decoding the regulatory mechanisms of secondary cell wall formation
Wood quality is primarily determined by the properties of its secondary cell wall (SCW). Gaining insight into the molecular processes governing SCW development is crucial for the genetic enhancement of wood quality. Although it's established that a m.....»»
Molecular simulation AI tool reveals unresolved structure of transporter protein
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have unveiled a previously unknown conformational state of a crucial transporter protein, OxlT, which plays a vital role in preventing kidney stone formation. This discovery, achieved through advanced computatio.....»»
Angola vs Namibia live stream: Can you watch AFCON for free?
Angola and Namibia clash for a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals on Saturday, and here's how you can watch a live stream for free in the US......»»
Astronomers analyze masses, orbital properties and atmospheric features of six exoplanets
A recently discovered solar system with six confirmed exoplanets and a possible seventh is boosting astronomers' knowledge of planet formation and evolution. Relying on a globe-spanning arsenal of observatories and instruments, a team led by research.....»»
What would the late heavy bombardment have done to the Earth’s surface?
Early in Earth's history, bombardment by enormous asteroids was common. Enlarge / Each panel shows the modeled effects of early Earth’s bombardment. Circles show the regions affected by each impact, with diameters corresponding.....»»
Hubble views NGC 3384, a galaxy settling into old age
NGC 3384, visible in this image, has many of the characteristic features of so-called elliptical galaxies. Such galaxies glow diffusely, are rounded in shape, display few visible features, and rarely show signs of recent star formation. Instead, they.....»»
Webb sees dozens of young quasars in the first billion years of the universe
Within almost every galaxy is a supermassive black hole. Millions, sometimes billions of solar masses are locked within an event horizon of space and time. They can power luminous quasars, drive star formation, and change the evolution of a galaxy. B.....»»
Learning to read in another language is tough: How Namibian teachers can help kids
In a classroom in Namibia's northern Oshikoto region, a teacher has written English vocabulary words on the chalkboard. She asks her learners to read them aloud. When they stumble with pronunciation, she corrects them. She also helps the youngsters t.....»»
Team expands research of water droplet interfaces that offer the secret ingredient for building life
R. Graham Cooks, the Henry B. Hass Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, and his postdoctoral researcher Lingqi Qiu have experimental evidence that the key step in protein formation can occur in droplets of pure water, and have recently published the.....»»
Hubble observes an askew galaxy coaxing star formation from its partner
Arp 300 consists of two interacting galaxies, UGC 05028 (the smaller face-on spiral galaxy) and UGC 05029 (the larger face-on spiral). Likely due to its gravitational dance with its larger partner, UGC 05028 has an asymmetric, irregular structure, wh.....»»
Mars Express finds evidence of large water deposit at the Medusae Fossae Formation
Windswept piles of dust, or layers of ice? ESA's Mars Express has revisited one of Mars's most mysterious features to clarify its composition. Its findings suggest layers of water ice stretching several kilometers below ground—the most water ever f.....»»
Research reveals gas-phase migration route for formation of strong metal-support interaction state
Strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) is one of the most important concepts in heterogeneous catalysis. Triggered by pretreatment or reaction processes, the supported metal nanoparticles may be partially or completely encapsulated by support-derive.....»»
How a 27-year-old busted the myth of Bitcoin’s anonymity
Once, drug dealers and money launderers saw cryptocurrency as perfectly untraceable. Enlarge (credit: Sam Rodriguez) JUST OVER A DECADE AGO, Bitcoin appeared to many of its adherents to be the crypto-anarchist holy grail.....»»
Cosmic dawn observational progress with NenuFAR
The NenuFAR Cosmic Dawn project has taken an important step in the exploration of the Cosmic Dawn, this key period in our universe marked by the formation of the first stars. An upper limit on the amplitude of the neutral hydrogen fluctuations at 21.....»»
Ants make their own ant-ibiotic for infected wounds
Ants have a gland that makes an antibiotic, and use it in response to pheromones. Enlarge / An ant carrying away one of the termites it preys on. (credit: Wikimedia Commons) Although humans may think we are alone in crea.....»»
Water may have flowed intermittently in Martian valleys for hundreds of millions of years
Using impact craters as a dating tool, Planetary Science Institute Research Scientist Alexander Morgan has determined maximum timescales for the formation of Martian valley networks shaped by running water......»»