Latest science news in Paleontology & Archaeology
You'll need a microscope to see 'nanobama'
President-elect Barack Obama is larger than life these days. Except, that is, at the University of Michigan, where he has become remarkably small.
Ancient Chinese climate patterns studied
MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. and Chinese scientists say they've discovered a linkage between the cyclical weakening of Asian monsoons and the fall of Chinese dynasties.
Revegetation Of Native Flora More Successful If Genetically Diverse Seed Added
The answer to successful revegetation of native flora is in sourcing genetically diverse seed not necessarily relying on remnant local native vegetation to provide seed.
The search for dark matter might soon end
MUNICH, Germany, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- A German-led consortium of scientists says the search for the mysterious substance known as dark matter could soon end.
Concerning Crichton
A tribute to the man who used velociraptors to inspire and spawn thousands of scientific careers. read more
How the Presidential Campaign Changed the English Language
Language change is probably slowed these days by stasis-inducing factors like books. However, rapid communication means that new phrases or ways of speaking can be disseminated with lightning speed. read more
Epic Voyage To Discover Origins And Migration Routes Of Ancestors Of Ancient Polynesians And Their Animals
Scientists are embarking on a 6000-kilometer trip following the migration route of ancient Pacific cultures. This is the first ever expedition to sail in two traditional Polynesian boats -- ethnic...
14-year-old helps dad solve avian mystery
At 14 years old, Spencer Hardy has solved an avian mystery and discovered significant evidence for the only bird other than a penguin to incubate its eggs on glacial ice.
Chinese Kingdoms Rose, Fell with Monsoons?
A nearly 2,000-year-old cave rock reveals a relationship between periods of heavy rains and major events in ancient Chinese history.
Bird Brains Split Lookout Duty
A migrating bird rests half of its brain while the other half remains alert
Clicking knees are antelopes' way of saying 'back off'
An old eland bull. Knee clicking can establish mating rights among antelopes. A study of eland antelopes, published in the open access journal BMC Biology, has uncovered the dominance displays...
Famous for being dead
The modern obsession with celebrity started in 18th-century Britain with obituaries of unusual people published in what served as the gossip sheets of the era, an English literature scholar says.
Unknown "Structures" Tugging at Universe, Study Says
The universe is racing toward something beyond it, a new study suggests. This "dark flow" may be evidence that our universe is part of something bigger—the multiverse.
CNET: Feature Films Coming To YouTube
YouTube will begin offering feature films produced by at least one of the biggest Hollywood movie studios possibly as early as next month, according to an executive with a major...
Atuned to Tuna
The birthplaces of different varieties of tuna can be identified by variations in the stones in their ears. This is similar to the technique of identifying where humans come...
A Conversation With Stuart L. Pimm: Asking ‘Why Do Species Go Extinct?’
Stuart L. Pimm has made one of the grimmest topics on earth — extinction — his specialty.
Death By Hyperdisease: How DNA Detective Work Explains Extinction Of Christmas Island's Native Rats
A new ancient DNA study published in PLoS One is the first to demonstrate that disease can cause extinction in mammals, supporting the "hyperdisease" hypothesis. This study found rat-specific trypanosomes...
Looking back on when oxen reigned supreme
Though their numbers might be small and their interests sharply focused, many of the visitors admiring the oxen in Colonial Williamsburg late last month were looking on with an unmistakable...
Amazon tries to take window shopping online
(AP) -- Shopping online can be great for bargain hunting, but it's not usually thought of as a feast for the senses. A new Amazon.com Inc. site is trying...
Incentives for Indian women scientists 'gathering dust'
Plans to introduce incentives for female researchers in India have been largely unaddressed, say top women scientists.
DNA provides 'smoking gun' in the case of the missing songbirds
It sounds like a tale straight from 'CSI:' The bully invades a home and does away with the victim, then is ultimately found out with the help of DNA evidence....
S Asia is 'worst for snake bites'
A new study says that South Asia has the highest number of casualties from snake bites in the world.
ND pantries to accept only archery-killed deer
(AP) -- A North Dakota program that distributes venison to the needy will accept only deer killed with arrows, fearing that firearm-shot meat may contain lead fragments.
Oldest evidence for complex life in doubt
Chemical biomarkers in ancient Australian rocks, once thought to be the oldest known evidence of complex life on Earth, may have infiltrated long after the sediments were laid down, new...
THE ROUNDUP: Science and Nature News Around the Web
Bones near crash site are Fossett's; lefties are more inhibited; astronauts to vote; and more.
Award for sleeping sickness work
A Ugandan scientist based at Glasgow University wins this year's £65,000 Royal Society Pfizer Award.
A Scientist, a Liberal and a Conservative Walk Into a Bar
In today's links, scientists tell jokes; hoaxers trick scientists; and more. Pictured, prominent scientists examine the skull of Piltdown Man. read more
Old Style-brand ham recalled in Ontario
OTTAWA, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning people not to consume Old Style-brand thin sliced honey ham because of possible contamination.