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Doban-kun: A 'cute' human-shaped counting tool from prehistoric Japan
By Kristina Killgrove published
This anthropomorphic clay tablet was likely used in an ancient ritual by the Jōmon culture in Japan.
'Red flags' raised over ancient sea monster pulled from Moroccan mine
By Jeanne Timmons published
A mosasaur species with saw-like teeth that was described by scientists in 2021 may have been based on forged fossils, and researchers are now calling for CT scans to determine the creature's origin.
Nuclear fusion could be the clean energy of the future — but these 'tough' challenges stand in the way
By George R. Tynan, Farhat Beg published
Even once researchers can reliably get more power out of a fusion reaction than they put in, they'll still need to overcome engineering challenges to scale up fusion energy.
Space photo of the week: The tilted spiral galaxy that took Hubble 23 years to capture
By Jamie Carter published
In this special Hubble image 23 years in the making, the sparkling spiral galaxy UGC 10043 reveals the secrets of its unusually big bulge.
Do bay leaves actually add flavor, or is it all a con?
By Donavyn Coffey published
Some say bay leaves are full of flavor, others call them a fraud.
1st-of-its-kind database reveals how DNA mutations 'destabilize' proteins, triggering genetic disease
By Emily Cooke published
A new mega-database of half a million mutations may flag new ways of treating genetic disease, scientists say.
'I was shaking when I first unearthed it': 11th-century silver coin hoard unearthed in England
By Sascha Pare published
Archaeologists have discovered 321 silver coins still wrapped in a cloth and lead pouch from a time in English history marked by upheaval due to the coronation of a new Anglo-Saxon king.
Ancient 'Stonehenge' in Golan Heights may not be astronomical observatory after all, archaeologists say
By Tom Metcalfe published
A new analysis of the 6,000-year-old stone circle known as Rujm el-Hiri (also Gilgal Refaim) in Golan Heights suggests that it was not built to observe the heavens.
Turkey vulture: The bird that vomits acid up to 10 feet and poops antiseptic onto its legs
By Lydia Smith published
Turkey vultures feed on dead carcasses, helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Which animal has the longest tail?
By Skyler Ware published
In terms of both absolute length and relative to body size, which living animal has the longest tail?
Snowstorms, fire and Yellowstone's next eruption
By Pandora Dewan published
Science news this week Jan 11, 2025: Our weekly roundup of the latest science in the news, as well as a few fascinating articles to keep you entertained over the weekend.
Ferns can evolve 'backward,' scientists discover
By Jacob S. Suissa published
Evolution is often depicted as a steady forward march from simple to complex forms. But new research shows that certain ferns can evolve ‘backward.’
Enormous, mountain-size asteroid will be visible from Earth this weekend in rare 'once in a decade' event
By Brandon Specktor published
The enormous near-Earth asteroid (887) Alinda has made its closest approach to our planet in decades, and it's about to peak in brightness in a rare once-in-a-decade event. Here's how to watch it live this weekend.
'Wake-up call' as hookworm parasites that infect pets and people grow drug resistant
By Patrick Pester published
Hookworms that cause deadly dog infection and 'creeping eruption' in humans are growing resistant to drugs.
'Big surprise' reveals supposed skull of 'Cleopatra's sister' actually belongs to an 11-year-old boy
By Kristina Killgrove published
A cutting-edge analysis of a skull found in Turkey in 1929 proves once and for all that it is not Arsinoë IV, Cleopatra's half sister.
Stark 'drought' maps reveal just why wildfires have blazed through Los Angeles
By Ming Pan published
The state is seeing a sharp water divide this year, with lots of rain in the north while the south has stayed dry. A hydrologist explains what’s happening.
2024 was the hottest year on record, and the 1st to breach the 1.5 C global warming limit, data reveals
By Ben Turner published
Scientists have warned that the Paris Agreement to limit global warming will likely be breached as data reveals 2024 was the hottest year in human history.
230 million-year-old dinosaur is oldest ever discovered in North America — and changes what we know about how they conquered Earth
By Harry Baker published
A newfound "chicken-size" dinosaur, recently unearthed in Wyoming, changes what paleontologists thought they knew about how dinosaurs spread across the globe.
X-class solar flares hit a new record in 2024 and could spike further this year — but the sun isn't entirely to blame, experts say
By Harry Baker published
There were significantly more X-class solar flares in 2024 than any other year for at least three decades. The arrival of solar maximum was a key reason for the spike, but other factors were also at play.
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