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FDA-approved epilepsy drug may help reverse osteoarthritis damage
Source: Science Daily
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Science Daily
Scientists accidentally discover a genetic code that breaks the rules of life
Scientists accidentally discovered a microscopic organism with a genetic code that breaks a rule researchers thought was nearly universal. While testing a new DNA sequencing technique, they examined a previously unknown protist collected from a freshwater pond at Oxford University. To their surprise, the organism uses two genetic signals that normally mark the end of a gene to encode two entirely different amino acids instead. These signals were previously thought to evolve together, making the discovery particularly remarkable.
Science Daily
This “golden tree” coral was too strange for any known family
A brilliant yellow coral discovered off Costa Rica proved so unusual that scientists had to create an entirely new family to classify it. The meter-tall colonies rise from seafloors covered in brittle stars, inspiring the Tolkien-inspired name Laurinque elenya, or “golden tree of the stars.” Advanced genetic analysis revealed that the coral belongs to a previously unknown evolutionary lineage.
Science Daily
Scientists found Homo erectus 200,000 years earlier than expected
New fossils from South Africa are reshaping the story of early human evolution. Researchers have described 18 hominin fossils from Drimolen Cave, including an adult Homo erectus skull fragment dated to about 2 million years ago, supporting evidence that the species appeared in southern Africa roughly 200,000 years earlier than long thought. The finds also reveal that Paranthropus robustus, which lived alongside Homo erectus, was gradually evolving even larger teeth and stronger chewing muscles as the climate changed.
Science Daily
NASA is searching for hidden caves to build its first Moon base
NASA is preparing for humanity’s first Moon base with three investigations that will hunt for underground shelters, uncover hidden ice, and track dangerous conditions on the lunar surface. The findings could reveal how astronauts can survive and thrive on the Moon while laying the groundwork for future journeys to Mars.
BBC Science
First Hurricane of the Atlantic season due to hit the Gulf coast
El Niño has led to an eerily quiet season so far but the first Atlantic hurricane of the year is now set to impact the southern USA.
BBC Science
More controls possible as reservoir level drops
More water usage restrictions may be introduced as Wimbleball reservoir drops to just 18% full.