A controversial theory that suggests an extraterrestrial body crashing to Earth almost 13,000 years ago caused the extinction of many large animals and a probable population decline in early humans is gaining traction from research sites around the world. Continue reading “Did an extraterrestrial impact trigger the extinction of ice-age animals?”
Lasers make magnets behave like fluids
For years, researchers have pursued a strange phenomenon: When you hit an ultra-thin magnet with a laser, it suddenly de-magnetizes. Imagine the magnet on your refrigerator falling off. Continue reading “Lasers make magnets behave like fluids”
Clues to brain changes in depression
Scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), led by Scott Thompson, PhD, Professor of Physiology, have identified changes in brain activity linked to the pleasure and reward system. Continue reading “Clues to brain changes in depression”
Singing for science: How the arts can help students who struggle most
Incorporating the arts — rapping, dancing, drawing — into science lessons can help low-achieving students retain more knowledge and possibly help students of all ability levels be more creative in their learning, finds a new study by Johns Hopkins University. Continue reading “Singing for science: How the arts can help students who struggle most”
Three ways studying organic chemistry changes the brain
Academic learning is about gaining new knowledge and skill, but only recently has it been possible to see new knowledge appear in a human brain. Continue reading “Three ways studying organic chemistry changes the brain”
A major cosmic impact event occurred approximately 12,800 years ago
When UC Santa Barbara geology professor emeritus James Kennett and colleagues set out years ago to examine signs of a major cosmic impact that occurred toward the end of the Pleistocene epoch, little did they know just how far-reaching the projected climatic effect would be. Continue reading “A major cosmic impact event occurred approximately 12,800 years ago”