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a shared tumblr between tut and nur
Does this fossil show the first trace of biomineralization?
Researchers in the Canadian Yukon have uncovered three different species of algae, each showing signs of having a hard, mineralized exterior. The fossils date back to 750 million years ago, which is about the same time that independent research teams previously estimated biomineralization occurred. The process is significant, because it was the first step towards developing skeletons. Although life survived for nearly 3 billion years without skeletons, the Cambrian explosion ushered in a wave of biodiversity, and skeletons have arisen around two dozen different times in animals.
i had a dream.
‘Clumpy’ universe may force rethinking of cosmology
The universe appears to be clumpier than astronomers expected, according to the largest galaxy survey to date. The extra clumps could call for a redesign of the standard model of cosmology, and maybe a new understanding of how gravity works.
“Maybe on very large scales, Einstein’s general relativity is slightly wrong,” said cosmologist Shaun Thomas of University College London, lead author of a new paper in Physical Review Letters. “This potentially could be one of the first signs that something peculiar is going on.”
When viewed close up, the matter in the universe bunches up into stars, galaxies and galaxy clusters. But as you zoom out, cosmologists expect the universe to look more and more smooth, sort of the way details in an earthly landscape blend together when viewed from an airplane.
good:
“Moonlight” is a small solar-powered LED lantern that manages to be both functional and ethereal. So pretty! Click through to see the whole series of photos by Mathieu Young.
Picture Show: Cambodian Fishing Villages, Lit by a Solar Night Light - GOOD
