10-year-old Kathryn Aurora Gray of Fredericton, New Brunswick has become the youngest person ever to discover a supernova. Miss Gray discovered the supernova on January 2, 2011.
Supernova 2010lt is a magnitude-17 in galaxy UGC 3378, in the constellation of Camelopardalis. It is about 240 million light years away from earth. Katheryn Gray discovered the supernova from Abbey Ridge Observatory under the watchful eyes of her father, astronomer Paul Gray, and astronomer David Lane. Supernova 2010lt is Paul Gray's seventh supernova discovery and David Lane's fourth.
Supernovas are stellar explosions that signal the violent deaths of stars several times larger than the sun. They can be used to estimate the size and age of the universe. Supernovas are rare. The Chandra X-Ray Observatory found evidence of one which took place around 140 years ago in our galaxy. Before that, the last known supernova in the Milky Way occurred around 1680.
Congratulations, Kathryn! This might just be the start of a long and illustrious career in astronomy for young Miss Gray!
For more information:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12110747
http://www.davelane.ca/aro/sn/sn2010lt.html
Showing posts with label Science. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Science. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Proof of Alien Life Could Come Within 25 Years, Astronomer Says
Astronomer Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute (SETI) in Mountain View, California said on Sunday, August 15, 2010 that he believes the chances are pretty good they will be able to find ET within the next twenty-five years. Shostak made his comments at the SETIcon convention.
Shostak is using the Drake Equation, a formula invented by SETI pioneer Frank Drake that calculates the number of alien civilizations (N) we might be able to communicate with. The equation uses factors like rate of star formation in the galaxy, fraction of stars with planets, fraction of habitable planets, planets that actually develop life and the fraction of civilizations that have a technology that can broadcast into space, among other things.
The late Carl Sagan estimated the Drake Equation amounted to N=1 million. Isaac Asimov estimated N=670,000. Frank Drake estimated N=10,000.
SETI's quest to make ET contact will take a giant step when the Allen Telescope Array becomes fully operational, hopefully by 2015. The ATA is a network of radio dishes that should be able to scan hundreds of thousands of stars for signs of extraterrestrial life and intelligence.
For more information:
Source article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38727371/ns/technology_and_science-space/
SETIcon Convention: http://www.seticon.com/
SETI Institute: http://www.seti.org/Page.aspx?pid=1366
Shostak is using the Drake Equation, a formula invented by SETI pioneer Frank Drake that calculates the number of alien civilizations (N) we might be able to communicate with. The equation uses factors like rate of star formation in the galaxy, fraction of stars with planets, fraction of habitable planets, planets that actually develop life and the fraction of civilizations that have a technology that can broadcast into space, among other things.
The late Carl Sagan estimated the Drake Equation amounted to N=1 million. Isaac Asimov estimated N=670,000. Frank Drake estimated N=10,000.
SETI's quest to make ET contact will take a giant step when the Allen Telescope Array becomes fully operational, hopefully by 2015. The ATA is a network of radio dishes that should be able to scan hundreds of thousands of stars for signs of extraterrestrial life and intelligence.
For more information:
Source article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38727371/ns/technology_and_science-space/
SETIcon Convention: http://www.seticon.com/
SETI Institute: http://www.seti.org/Page.aspx?pid=1366
Proof of Alien Life Could Come Within 25 Years, Astronomer Says
Astronomer Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute (SETI) in Mountain View, California said on Sunday, August 15, 2010 that he believes the chances are pretty good they will be able to find ET within the next twenty-five years. Shostak made his comments at the SETIcon convention.
Shostak is using the Drake Equation, a formula invented by SETI pioneer Frank Drake that calculates the number of alien civilizations (N) we might be able to communicate with. The equation uses factors like rate of star formation in the galaxy, fraction of stars with planets, fraction of habitable planets, planets that actually develop life and the fraction of civilizations that have a technology that can broadcast into space, among other things.
The late Carl Sagan estimated the Drake Equation amounted to N=1 million. Isaac Asimov estimated N=670,000. Frank Drake estimated N=10,000.
SETI's quest to make ET contact will take a giant step when the Allen Telescope Array becomes fully operational, hopefully by 2015. The ATA is a network of radio dishes that should be able to scan hundreds of thousands of stars for signs of extraterrestrial life and intelligence.
For more information:
Source article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38727371/ns/technology_and_science-space/
SETIcon Convention: http://www.seticon.com/
SETI Institute: http://www.seti.org/Page.aspx?pid=1366
Shostak is using the Drake Equation, a formula invented by SETI pioneer Frank Drake that calculates the number of alien civilizations (N) we might be able to communicate with. The equation uses factors like rate of star formation in the galaxy, fraction of stars with planets, fraction of habitable planets, planets that actually develop life and the fraction of civilizations that have a technology that can broadcast into space, among other things.
The late Carl Sagan estimated the Drake Equation amounted to N=1 million. Isaac Asimov estimated N=670,000. Frank Drake estimated N=10,000.
SETI's quest to make ET contact will take a giant step when the Allen Telescope Array becomes fully operational, hopefully by 2015. The ATA is a network of radio dishes that should be able to scan hundreds of thousands of stars for signs of extraterrestrial life and intelligence.
For more information:
Source article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38727371/ns/technology_and_science-space/
SETIcon Convention: http://www.seticon.com/
SETI Institute: http://www.seti.org/Page.aspx?pid=1366
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle Solved?
For decades the area of the North Atlantic Ocean known as the "Bermuda Triangle" or "Devil's Triangle" has both intrigued and terrified people around the world. It's been known as a place where strange disappearances and disasters are the norm and answers have been elusive, at best.
But, all that may have changed.
Using the "mystery areas" identified by Ivan T. Sanderson in the 1960's, Professor Joseph Monaghan and honor student David May conducted their own research at the Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Monaghan and May believe they have come up with an answer to the mysterious disasters and disappearances of the Bermuda Triangle.
Their paper, published in the American Journal of Physics attributes the mysteries of the Triangle not to the supernatural but to gas, specifically methane gas.
The paper suggests that the methane gas, which is normally frozen at great pressure as gas hydrates embedded in subterranean rock, becomes dislodged. It then transforms into gaseous bubbles and expands as the bubbles explode upwards. When the bubbles reach the surface of the ocean, they rise into the air while still expanding up and out. Any ships caught in the bubbles lose buoyancy and sink to the bottom of the ocean. Larger bubbles that carry enough density can unexpectedly knock aircraft from the sky.
After all these years of speculation, what do you think of this possible explanation?
For more information you can read this article.
But, all that may have changed.
Using the "mystery areas" identified by Ivan T. Sanderson in the 1960's, Professor Joseph Monaghan and honor student David May conducted their own research at the Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Monaghan and May believe they have come up with an answer to the mysterious disasters and disappearances of the Bermuda Triangle.
Their paper, published in the American Journal of Physics attributes the mysteries of the Triangle not to the supernatural but to gas, specifically methane gas.
The paper suggests that the methane gas, which is normally frozen at great pressure as gas hydrates embedded in subterranean rock, becomes dislodged. It then transforms into gaseous bubbles and expands as the bubbles explode upwards. When the bubbles reach the surface of the ocean, they rise into the air while still expanding up and out. Any ships caught in the bubbles lose buoyancy and sink to the bottom of the ocean. Larger bubbles that carry enough density can unexpectedly knock aircraft from the sky.
After all these years of speculation, what do you think of this possible explanation?
For more information you can read this article.
Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle Solved?
For decades the area of the North Atlantic Ocean known as the "Bermuda Triangle" or "Devil's Triangle" has both intrigued and terrified people around the world. It's been known as a place where strange disappearances and disasters are the norm and answers have been elusive, at best.
But, all that may have changed.
Using the "mystery areas" identified by Ivan T. Sanderson in the 1960's, Professor Joseph Monaghan and honor student David May conducted their own research at the Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Monaghan and May believe they have come up with an answer to the mysterious disasters and disappearances of the Bermuda Triangle.
Their paper, published in the American Journal of Physics attributes the mysteries of the Triangle not to the supernatural but to gas, specifically methane gas.
The paper suggests that the methane gas, which is normally frozen at great pressure as gas hydrates embedded in subterranean rock, becomes dislodged. It then transforms into gaseous bubbles and expands as the bubbles explode upwards. When the bubbles reach the surface of the ocean, they rise into the air while still expanding up and out. Any ships caught in the bubbles lose buoyancy and sink to the bottom of the ocean. Larger bubbles that carry enough density can unexpectedly knock aircraft from the sky.
After all these years of speculation, what do you think of this possible explanation?
For more information you can read this article.
But, all that may have changed.
Using the "mystery areas" identified by Ivan T. Sanderson in the 1960's, Professor Joseph Monaghan and honor student David May conducted their own research at the Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Monaghan and May believe they have come up with an answer to the mysterious disasters and disappearances of the Bermuda Triangle.
Their paper, published in the American Journal of Physics attributes the mysteries of the Triangle not to the supernatural but to gas, specifically methane gas.
The paper suggests that the methane gas, which is normally frozen at great pressure as gas hydrates embedded in subterranean rock, becomes dislodged. It then transforms into gaseous bubbles and expands as the bubbles explode upwards. When the bubbles reach the surface of the ocean, they rise into the air while still expanding up and out. Any ships caught in the bubbles lose buoyancy and sink to the bottom of the ocean. Larger bubbles that carry enough density can unexpectedly knock aircraft from the sky.
After all these years of speculation, what do you think of this possible explanation?
For more information you can read this article.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Gulf Oil Spill Threatened Sea Turtle Hatchlings Getting a New Chance at Life?
Scientists released hundreds of Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings onto a beach at Padre Island National Seashore in Texas on Monday, July 26, 2010. The tiny, days-old turtles headed into the Gulf of Mexico in an area 400 miles from the oil spill. The little guys have got a lot of danger ahead of them that, sadly, a good many will not survive. Not only must they contend with the threats in nature, they must also deal with the dangers presented by the oil spill.
Loggerhead turtles from Florida were moved to safer eastern Florida waters but the Kemp's ridley turtles were released into the coasts of Texas and Mexico as originally planned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service. Since June, between seven and eight thousand Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings have been released. Biologists are hoping that by time the Kemp's make their way to the spill zone, the mess will have been cleaned up.
Releasing the baby turtles was a move made not without some controversy. The biologists believe that keeping the turtles in captivity until the oil is cleaned up would cause them greater harm than good. Some fear that releasing the fragile and highly endangered turtles into the tainted waters will deal them a major setback.
Kemp's ridley sea turtles are the smallest living sea turtle species. Fully mature, they reach lengths of only 2-3 feet and weight around 100 pounds. They have been on the endangered list since 1973. By 1985 their numbers had dwindled to a dangerously low 7,702. Since the oil spill, 638 sea turtles have been found dead. A staggering 524 of those turtles were Kemp's ridleys.
For more information on the Kemp's ridley sea turtles, and other sea turtles being cared for by conservationists, you can read these articles:
Oily Future for Sea Turtle Hatchlings?
Despite Oil, Baby Turtles Being Released to Gulf
Loggerhead turtles from Florida were moved to safer eastern Florida waters but the Kemp's ridley turtles were released into the coasts of Texas and Mexico as originally planned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service. Since June, between seven and eight thousand Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings have been released. Biologists are hoping that by time the Kemp's make their way to the spill zone, the mess will have been cleaned up.
Releasing the baby turtles was a move made not without some controversy. The biologists believe that keeping the turtles in captivity until the oil is cleaned up would cause them greater harm than good. Some fear that releasing the fragile and highly endangered turtles into the tainted waters will deal them a major setback.
Kemp's ridley sea turtles are the smallest living sea turtle species. Fully mature, they reach lengths of only 2-3 feet and weight around 100 pounds. They have been on the endangered list since 1973. By 1985 their numbers had dwindled to a dangerously low 7,702. Since the oil spill, 638 sea turtles have been found dead. A staggering 524 of those turtles were Kemp's ridleys.
For more information on the Kemp's ridley sea turtles, and other sea turtles being cared for by conservationists, you can read these articles:
Oily Future for Sea Turtle Hatchlings?
Despite Oil, Baby Turtles Being Released to Gulf
Gulf Oil Spill Threatened Sea Turtle Hatchlings Getting a New Chance at Life?
Scientists released hundreds of Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings onto a beach at Padre Island National Seashore in Texas on Monday, July 26, 2010. The tiny, days-old turtles headed into the Gulf of Mexico in an area 400 miles from the oil spill. The little guys have got a lot of danger ahead of them that, sadly, a good many will not survive. Not only must they contend with the threats in nature, they must also deal with the dangers presented by the oil spill.
Loggerhead turtles from Florida were moved to safer eastern Florida waters but the Kemp's ridley turtles were released into the coasts of Texas and Mexico as originally planned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service. Since June, between seven and eight thousand Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings have been released. Biologists are hoping that by time the Kemp's make their way to the spill zone, the mess will have been cleaned up.
Releasing the baby turtles was a move made not without some controversy. The biologists believe that keeping the turtles in captivity until the oil is cleaned up would cause them greater harm than good. Some fear that releasing the fragile and highly endangered turtles into the tainted waters will deal them a major setback.
Kemp's ridley sea turtles are the smallest living sea turtle species. Fully mature, they reach lengths of only 2-3 feet and weight around 100 pounds. They have been on the endangered list since 1973. By 1985 their numbers had dwindled to a dangerously low 7,702. Since the oil spill, 638 sea turtles have been found dead. A staggering 524 of those turtles were Kemp's ridleys.
For more information on the Kemp's ridley sea turtles, and other sea turtles being cared for by conservationists, you can read these articles:
Oily Future for Sea Turtle Hatchlings?
Despite Oil, Baby Turtles Being Released to Gulf
Loggerhead turtles from Florida were moved to safer eastern Florida waters but the Kemp's ridley turtles were released into the coasts of Texas and Mexico as originally planned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service. Since June, between seven and eight thousand Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings have been released. Biologists are hoping that by time the Kemp's make their way to the spill zone, the mess will have been cleaned up.
Releasing the baby turtles was a move made not without some controversy. The biologists believe that keeping the turtles in captivity until the oil is cleaned up would cause them greater harm than good. Some fear that releasing the fragile and highly endangered turtles into the tainted waters will deal them a major setback.
Kemp's ridley sea turtles are the smallest living sea turtle species. Fully mature, they reach lengths of only 2-3 feet and weight around 100 pounds. They have been on the endangered list since 1973. By 1985 their numbers had dwindled to a dangerously low 7,702. Since the oil spill, 638 sea turtles have been found dead. A staggering 524 of those turtles were Kemp's ridleys.
For more information on the Kemp's ridley sea turtles, and other sea turtles being cared for by conservationists, you can read these articles:
Oily Future for Sea Turtle Hatchlings?
Despite Oil, Baby Turtles Being Released to Gulf
Rare Otter Sighted in Malaysia
A photograph taken in Malaysia's Sabah state in the latter part of 2008 has given scientists a glimmer of hope. The photograph was of a hairy-nosed otter. The animal is often thought to be the rarest otter in Asia because it has been hunted for meat and its fur and due to development of its habitat.
The otter was photographed by a remote-controlled camera being used by researchers in a forest reserve. After studying the photograph for two years the researchers are hopeful they truly do have an image of a hairy-nosed otter. The otter, once believed to be extinct, has been sighted in Vietnam and Cambodia.
It has been more than 100 years since this species of otter has been seen in Malaysia.
Hopefully, the sightings and the photograph means this cute little guy truly is still alive and kicking and will be for a long time!
For more information and to see a photo of the otter, you can read this article.
The otter was photographed by a remote-controlled camera being used by researchers in a forest reserve. After studying the photograph for two years the researchers are hopeful they truly do have an image of a hairy-nosed otter. The otter, once believed to be extinct, has been sighted in Vietnam and Cambodia.
It has been more than 100 years since this species of otter has been seen in Malaysia.
Hopefully, the sightings and the photograph means this cute little guy truly is still alive and kicking and will be for a long time!
For more information and to see a photo of the otter, you can read this article.
Rare Otter Sighted in Malaysia
A photograph taken in Malaysia's Sabah state in the latter part of 2008 has given scientists a glimmer of hope. The photograph was of a hairy-nosed otter. The animal is often thought to be the rarest otter in Asia because it has been hunted for meat and its fur and due to development of its habitat.
The otter was photographed by a remote-controlled camera being used by researchers in a forest reserve. After studying the photograph for two years the researchers are hopeful they truly do have an image of a hairy-nosed otter. The otter, once believed to be extinct, has been sighted in Vietnam and Cambodia.
It has been more than 100 years since this species of otter has been seen in Malaysia.
Hopefully, the sightings and the photograph means this cute little guy truly is still alive and kicking and will be for a long time!
For more information and to see a photo of the otter, you can read this article.
The otter was photographed by a remote-controlled camera being used by researchers in a forest reserve. After studying the photograph for two years the researchers are hopeful they truly do have an image of a hairy-nosed otter. The otter, once believed to be extinct, has been sighted in Vietnam and Cambodia.
It has been more than 100 years since this species of otter has been seen in Malaysia.
Hopefully, the sightings and the photograph means this cute little guy truly is still alive and kicking and will be for a long time!
For more information and to see a photo of the otter, you can read this article.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Possible Cause of Arthritis in Moose: Malnutrition
It's a condition we generally associate with old age and the wear and tear of life on the joints. Researchers have found a possible new cause for arthritis thanks to studies of animal health. Rather than observing rats and mice, researchers turned their attention to larger subjects: wild moose.
For the past 50 years an ongoing study has revealed that moose suffer from a form of arthritis that is nearly identical to that humans suffer from, osteoarthritis. The results of the half-century study has shown that malnutrition early in the life of the moose played a role in the development of arthritis in the animals.
On Isle Royale, in Lake Superior and Michigan, the study began in 1958. Since then, the skeletal remains of over 4,000 moose killed by harsh winters or wolves have been studied by three generations of scientists. As the moose population increased and food became scarce, cases of osteoarthritis in the moose increased as well. When the population fell and food became more plentiful, cases of arthritis lowered.
Researchers are hoping that the studies they've done with the moose will aid in research of osteoarthritis in humans.
For more information you can read this article.
For the past 50 years an ongoing study has revealed that moose suffer from a form of arthritis that is nearly identical to that humans suffer from, osteoarthritis. The results of the half-century study has shown that malnutrition early in the life of the moose played a role in the development of arthritis in the animals.
On Isle Royale, in Lake Superior and Michigan, the study began in 1958. Since then, the skeletal remains of over 4,000 moose killed by harsh winters or wolves have been studied by three generations of scientists. As the moose population increased and food became scarce, cases of osteoarthritis in the moose increased as well. When the population fell and food became more plentiful, cases of arthritis lowered.
Researchers are hoping that the studies they've done with the moose will aid in research of osteoarthritis in humans.
For more information you can read this article.
Possible Cause of Arthritis in Moose: Malnutrition
It's a condition we generally associate with old age and the wear and tear of life on the joints. Researchers have found a possible new cause for arthritis thanks to studies of animal health. Rather than observing rats and mice, researchers turned their attention to larger subjects: wild moose.
For the past 50 years an ongoing study has revealed that moose suffer from a form of arthritis that is nearly identical to that humans suffer from, osteoarthritis. The results of the half-century study has shown that malnutrition early in the life of the moose played a role in the development of arthritis in the animals.
On Isle Royale, in Lake Superior and Michigan, the study began in 1958. Since then, the skeletal remains of over 4,000 moose killed by harsh winters or wolves have been studied by three generations of scientists. As the moose population increased and food became scarce, cases of osteoarthritis in the moose increased as well. When the population fell and food became more plentiful, cases of arthritis lowered.
Researchers are hoping that the studies they've done with the moose will aid in research of osteoarthritis in humans.
For more information you can read this article.
For the past 50 years an ongoing study has revealed that moose suffer from a form of arthritis that is nearly identical to that humans suffer from, osteoarthritis. The results of the half-century study has shown that malnutrition early in the life of the moose played a role in the development of arthritis in the animals.
On Isle Royale, in Lake Superior and Michigan, the study began in 1958. Since then, the skeletal remains of over 4,000 moose killed by harsh winters or wolves have been studied by three generations of scientists. As the moose population increased and food became scarce, cases of osteoarthritis in the moose increased as well. When the population fell and food became more plentiful, cases of arthritis lowered.
Researchers are hoping that the studies they've done with the moose will aid in research of osteoarthritis in humans.
For more information you can read this article.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Which Came First? The Chicken, or the Egg?
Which came first? The chicken, or the egg? It's a question that has been asked by thousands and everyone believes they know the answer. But, do they? Does anyone?
A group of researchers at Sheffield and Warwick universities in Britain claim they have the definitive answer to the age-old question: the chicken.
According to the scientists, a protein that speeds the development of the hard shell of an egg is found only in a chicken's ovaries is necessary for the protection and formation of the egg. Thus, the egg can only exist if first created inside a chicken.
The scientists revealed their research in a paper, Structural Control of Crystal Nuclei By an Eggshell Protein. They hope their research lends assistance to other science and technological research.
So, was "the chicken" the answer you always chose when you were asked this riddle? ;)
For more information you can read this MSNBC Technology and Science article.
A group of researchers at Sheffield and Warwick universities in Britain claim they have the definitive answer to the age-old question: the chicken.
According to the scientists, a protein that speeds the development of the hard shell of an egg is found only in a chicken's ovaries is necessary for the protection and formation of the egg. Thus, the egg can only exist if first created inside a chicken.
The scientists revealed their research in a paper, Structural Control of Crystal Nuclei By an Eggshell Protein. They hope their research lends assistance to other science and technological research.
So, was "the chicken" the answer you always chose when you were asked this riddle? ;)
For more information you can read this MSNBC Technology and Science article.
Which Came First? The Chicken, or the Egg?
Which came first? The chicken, or the egg? It's a question that has been asked by thousands and everyone believes they know the answer. But, do they? Does anyone?
A group of researchers at Sheffield and Warwick universities in Britain claim they have the definitive answer to the age-old question: the chicken.
According to the scientists, a protein that speeds the development of the hard shell of an egg is found only in a chicken's ovaries is necessary for the protection and formation of the egg. Thus, the egg can only exist if first created inside a chicken.
The scientists revealed their research in a paper, Structural Control of Crystal Nuclei By an Eggshell Protein. They hope their research lends assistance to other science and technological research.
So, was "the chicken" the answer you always chose when you were asked this riddle? ;)
For more information you can read this MSNBC Technology and Science article.
A group of researchers at Sheffield and Warwick universities in Britain claim they have the definitive answer to the age-old question: the chicken.
According to the scientists, a protein that speeds the development of the hard shell of an egg is found only in a chicken's ovaries is necessary for the protection and formation of the egg. Thus, the egg can only exist if first created inside a chicken.
The scientists revealed their research in a paper, Structural Control of Crystal Nuclei By an Eggshell Protein. They hope their research lends assistance to other science and technological research.
So, was "the chicken" the answer you always chose when you were asked this riddle? ;)
For more information you can read this MSNBC Technology and Science article.
Monday, July 12, 2010
New Batfish Species Discovered
Did you ever think there could be good news related to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill? No? I didn't either. Until now.
Two previously unknown species of bottom-dwelling fish have been discovered living in the Gulf of Mexico, in the exact same area affected by the BP oil spill.
The fish are called "pancake batfish" and are so named because of the way they clumsily "walk" along the sea bottom. Their manner of walking looks similar to a bat crawling. The fish prefer to stay in the deepest parts of the sea and, thus, are rarely seen.
Pancake batfish have round, flat bodies with giant heads and mouths that can be thrust forward. Arm-like fins are used to "walk" along the sea floor and they can excrete a fluid from a modified dorsal fin to lure prey.
John Sparks of the American Museum of Natural History in New York issued a statement Thursday, July 8, 2010, "One of the fishes that we describe is completely restricted to the oil spill area. If we are still finding new species of fishes in the Gulf, imagine how much diversity, especially microdiversity, is out there that we do not know about."
Sparks and his colleagues named the species Halieutichthys intermedius and H. bispinosus. A third already known species, H. aculeatus, lives only in waters affected by the spill. Until now, the three species had been considered a single species but enough differences were found to alert researchers they were dealing with more than a single species.
To see a photo of the new batfish species, check out this article.
Two previously unknown species of bottom-dwelling fish have been discovered living in the Gulf of Mexico, in the exact same area affected by the BP oil spill.
The fish are called "pancake batfish" and are so named because of the way they clumsily "walk" along the sea bottom. Their manner of walking looks similar to a bat crawling. The fish prefer to stay in the deepest parts of the sea and, thus, are rarely seen.
Pancake batfish have round, flat bodies with giant heads and mouths that can be thrust forward. Arm-like fins are used to "walk" along the sea floor and they can excrete a fluid from a modified dorsal fin to lure prey.
John Sparks of the American Museum of Natural History in New York issued a statement Thursday, July 8, 2010, "One of the fishes that we describe is completely restricted to the oil spill area. If we are still finding new species of fishes in the Gulf, imagine how much diversity, especially microdiversity, is out there that we do not know about."
Sparks and his colleagues named the species Halieutichthys intermedius and H. bispinosus. A third already known species, H. aculeatus, lives only in waters affected by the spill. Until now, the three species had been considered a single species but enough differences were found to alert researchers they were dealing with more than a single species.
To see a photo of the new batfish species, check out this article.
New Batfish Species Discovered
Did you ever think there could be good news related to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill? No? I didn't either. Until now.
Two previously unknown species of bottom-dwelling fish have been discovered living in the Gulf of Mexico, in the exact same area affected by the BP oil spill.
The fish are called "pancake batfish" and are so named because of the way they clumsily "walk" along the sea bottom. Their manner of walking looks similar to a bat crawling. The fish prefer to stay in the deepest parts of the sea and, thus, are rarely seen.
Pancake batfish have round, flat bodies with giant heads and mouths that can be thrust forward. Arm-like fins are used to "walk" along the sea floor and they can excrete a fluid from a modified dorsal fin to lure prey.
John Sparks of the American Museum of Natural History in New York issued a statement Thursday, July 8, 2010, "One of the fishes that we describe is completely restricted to the oil spill area. If we are still finding new species of fishes in the Gulf, imagine how much diversity, especially microdiversity, is out there that we do not know about."
Sparks and his colleagues named the species Halieutichthys intermedius and H. bispinosus. A third already known species, H. aculeatus, lives only in waters affected by the spill. Until now, the three species had been considered a single species but enough differences were found to alert researchers they were dealing with more than a single species.
To see a photo of the new batfish species, check out this article.
Two previously unknown species of bottom-dwelling fish have been discovered living in the Gulf of Mexico, in the exact same area affected by the BP oil spill.
The fish are called "pancake batfish" and are so named because of the way they clumsily "walk" along the sea bottom. Their manner of walking looks similar to a bat crawling. The fish prefer to stay in the deepest parts of the sea and, thus, are rarely seen.
Pancake batfish have round, flat bodies with giant heads and mouths that can be thrust forward. Arm-like fins are used to "walk" along the sea floor and they can excrete a fluid from a modified dorsal fin to lure prey.
John Sparks of the American Museum of Natural History in New York issued a statement Thursday, July 8, 2010, "One of the fishes that we describe is completely restricted to the oil spill area. If we are still finding new species of fishes in the Gulf, imagine how much diversity, especially microdiversity, is out there that we do not know about."
Sparks and his colleagues named the species Halieutichthys intermedius and H. bispinosus. A third already known species, H. aculeatus, lives only in waters affected by the spill. Until now, the three species had been considered a single species but enough differences were found to alert researchers they were dealing with more than a single species.
To see a photo of the new batfish species, check out this article.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Scientists Find Surprises in Deep Atlantic Ocean
I love articles like this and I love them even more when there are loads of great pictures. This one certainly doesn't disappoint.
Scientists from 17 nations recently embarked on a six-week expedition aboard the British research vessel the James Cook to explore a never-before-seen area of the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. Some expected to see nothing. All were amazed that they were able to bring back photographs of an area that is teeming with life.
The scientists focused on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It is a massive undersea mountain range that splits the ocean in half, dividing the east Atlantic from the west Atlantic. The seascape is apparently similar to the American West featuring rocky outcroppings, sheer cliffs and flat open plains. The critters that live there, however, are nothing like the rattlesnakes, jackrabbits and prairie dogs that inhabit the American West.
There were at least 10 creatures discovered during the expedition that possibly could represent new species.
In dives that lasted as long as 30 hours and went to depths of up to 12,000 feet (3,600 meters) the Isis, a remotely operated vehicle outfitted with 10 high-definition studio-quality cameras and powerful lamps was sent to the ocean floor and took hours of footage of the amazing creatures that live at the bottom of the Atlantic.
They found three new species of enteropneust (a deep sea worm). The tiny eyeless worms are about 4 inches (10 centimeters) long and were previously found only in the Pacific Ocean. A pink enteropneust was spotted first. The scientists were thrilled to be able to actually see one of the creatures actually swimming.
Daniel Jones of Britain's National Oceanography Centre said the rocky regions of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge were the most surprising. There, they found new varieties of sea cucumbers, corals several meters tall that could possibly be a thousand years old and sea lilies.
For more information and to see some of the amazing creatures living in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, check out this article. There are 10 photographs to be seen. Click the word "next" and you will be taken to another photo.
Scientists from 17 nations recently embarked on a six-week expedition aboard the British research vessel the James Cook to explore a never-before-seen area of the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. Some expected to see nothing. All were amazed that they were able to bring back photographs of an area that is teeming with life.
The scientists focused on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It is a massive undersea mountain range that splits the ocean in half, dividing the east Atlantic from the west Atlantic. The seascape is apparently similar to the American West featuring rocky outcroppings, sheer cliffs and flat open plains. The critters that live there, however, are nothing like the rattlesnakes, jackrabbits and prairie dogs that inhabit the American West.
There were at least 10 creatures discovered during the expedition that possibly could represent new species.
In dives that lasted as long as 30 hours and went to depths of up to 12,000 feet (3,600 meters) the Isis, a remotely operated vehicle outfitted with 10 high-definition studio-quality cameras and powerful lamps was sent to the ocean floor and took hours of footage of the amazing creatures that live at the bottom of the Atlantic.
They found three new species of enteropneust (a deep sea worm). The tiny eyeless worms are about 4 inches (10 centimeters) long and were previously found only in the Pacific Ocean. A pink enteropneust was spotted first. The scientists were thrilled to be able to actually see one of the creatures actually swimming.
Daniel Jones of Britain's National Oceanography Centre said the rocky regions of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge were the most surprising. There, they found new varieties of sea cucumbers, corals several meters tall that could possibly be a thousand years old and sea lilies.
For more information and to see some of the amazing creatures living in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, check out this article. There are 10 photographs to be seen. Click the word "next" and you will be taken to another photo.
Scientists Find Surprises in Deep Atlantic Ocean
I love articles like this and I love them even more when there are loads of great pictures. This one certainly doesn't disappoint.
Scientists from 17 nations recently embarked on a six-week expedition aboard the British research vessel the James Cook to explore a never-before-seen area of the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. Some expected to see nothing. All were amazed that they were able to bring back photographs of an area that is teeming with life.
The scientists focused on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It is a massive undersea mountain range that splits the ocean in half, dividing the east Atlantic from the west Atlantic. The seascape is apparently similar to the American West featuring rocky outcroppings, sheer cliffs and flat open plains. The critters that live there, however, are nothing like the rattlesnakes, jackrabbits and prairie dogs that inhabit the American West.
There were at least 10 creatures discovered during the expedition that possibly could represent new species.
In dives that lasted as long as 30 hours and went to depths of up to 12,000 feet (3,600 meters) the Isis, a remotely operated vehicle outfitted with 10 high-definition studio-quality cameras and powerful lamps was sent to the ocean floor and took hours of footage of the amazing creatures that live at the bottom of the Atlantic.
They found three new species of enteropneust (a deep sea worm). The tiny eyeless worms are about 4 inches (10 centimeters) long and were previously found only in the Pacific Ocean. A pink enteropneust was spotted first. The scientists were thrilled to be able to actually see one of the creatures actually swimming.
Daniel Jones of Britain's National Oceanography Centre said the rocky regions of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge were the most surprising. There, they found new varieties of sea cucumbers, corals several meters tall that could possibly be a thousand years old and sea lilies.
For more information and to see some of the amazing creatures living in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, check out this article. There are 10 photographs to be seen. Click the word "next" and you will be taken to another photo.
Scientists from 17 nations recently embarked on a six-week expedition aboard the British research vessel the James Cook to explore a never-before-seen area of the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. Some expected to see nothing. All were amazed that they were able to bring back photographs of an area that is teeming with life.
The scientists focused on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It is a massive undersea mountain range that splits the ocean in half, dividing the east Atlantic from the west Atlantic. The seascape is apparently similar to the American West featuring rocky outcroppings, sheer cliffs and flat open plains. The critters that live there, however, are nothing like the rattlesnakes, jackrabbits and prairie dogs that inhabit the American West.
There were at least 10 creatures discovered during the expedition that possibly could represent new species.
In dives that lasted as long as 30 hours and went to depths of up to 12,000 feet (3,600 meters) the Isis, a remotely operated vehicle outfitted with 10 high-definition studio-quality cameras and powerful lamps was sent to the ocean floor and took hours of footage of the amazing creatures that live at the bottom of the Atlantic.
They found three new species of enteropneust (a deep sea worm). The tiny eyeless worms are about 4 inches (10 centimeters) long and were previously found only in the Pacific Ocean. A pink enteropneust was spotted first. The scientists were thrilled to be able to actually see one of the creatures actually swimming.
Daniel Jones of Britain's National Oceanography Centre said the rocky regions of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge were the most surprising. There, they found new varieties of sea cucumbers, corals several meters tall that could possibly be a thousand years old and sea lilies.
For more information and to see some of the amazing creatures living in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, check out this article. There are 10 photographs to be seen. Click the word "next" and you will be taken to another photo.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Giant Propeller Structures Seen in Saturn's Rings
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced on Thursday, July 8, 2010 that giant propeller-shaped structures have been discovered in Saturn's rings. NASA believes the structures were created by a new class of hidden moons.
The propeller-shaped structures were located by NASA's Cassini spacecraft. The structures are located inside one the debris disk rings on the planet and are several thousands of miles long. This discovery marks the first time scientists have been able to track the orbits of individual objects within a debris disk. Researchers are hoping to learn how the structures form to give them more insight into the debris disks around other stars as well.
This isn't the first time propeller-like structures have been found in Saturn's rings. In 2006 an area known as the "propeller belt" was found to be located in Saturn's A ring, its outermost ring.
The structures are gaps in the ring material created by "moonlets" a new class of objects smaller than known moons but larger than the debris particles that make up Saturn's rings. Cassini scientists estimate the moonlets could number into the millions.
For more information and to see a photo of the propeller-shaped structures, click here.
The propeller-shaped structures were located by NASA's Cassini spacecraft. The structures are located inside one the debris disk rings on the planet and are several thousands of miles long. This discovery marks the first time scientists have been able to track the orbits of individual objects within a debris disk. Researchers are hoping to learn how the structures form to give them more insight into the debris disks around other stars as well.
This isn't the first time propeller-like structures have been found in Saturn's rings. In 2006 an area known as the "propeller belt" was found to be located in Saturn's A ring, its outermost ring.
The structures are gaps in the ring material created by "moonlets" a new class of objects smaller than known moons but larger than the debris particles that make up Saturn's rings. Cassini scientists estimate the moonlets could number into the millions.
For more information and to see a photo of the propeller-shaped structures, click here.
Giant Propeller Structures Seen in Saturn's Rings
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced on Thursday, July 8, 2010 that giant propeller-shaped structures have been discovered in Saturn's rings. NASA believes the structures were created by a new class of hidden moons.
The propeller-shaped structures were located by NASA's Cassini spacecraft. The structures are located inside one the debris disk rings on the planet and are several thousands of miles long. This discovery marks the first time scientists have been able to track the orbits of individual objects within a debris disk. Researchers are hoping to learn how the structures form to give them more insight into the debris disks around other stars as well.
This isn't the first time propeller-like structures have been found in Saturn's rings. In 2006 an area known as the "propeller belt" was found to be located in Saturn's A ring, its outermost ring.
The structures are gaps in the ring material created by "moonlets" a new class of objects smaller than known moons but larger than the debris particles that make up Saturn's rings. Cassini scientists estimate the moonlets could number into the millions.
For more information and to see a photo of the propeller-shaped structures, click here.
The propeller-shaped structures were located by NASA's Cassini spacecraft. The structures are located inside one the debris disk rings on the planet and are several thousands of miles long. This discovery marks the first time scientists have been able to track the orbits of individual objects within a debris disk. Researchers are hoping to learn how the structures form to give them more insight into the debris disks around other stars as well.
This isn't the first time propeller-like structures have been found in Saturn's rings. In 2006 an area known as the "propeller belt" was found to be located in Saturn's A ring, its outermost ring.
The structures are gaps in the ring material created by "moonlets" a new class of objects smaller than known moons but larger than the debris particles that make up Saturn's rings. Cassini scientists estimate the moonlets could number into the millions.
For more information and to see a photo of the propeller-shaped structures, click here.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Got a Cavity? Forget the Drill. A New Gel May Regenerate The Tooth For You
According to a new study in the journal ACS Nano, the dreaded sound of the dentist's drill could soon be a thing of the past. A new peptide, embedded in a soft gel or thin, flexible film could be placed next to a cavity. It would encourage cells inside the teeth to regenerate in about a month. This technology is the first of its kind and would eliminate the need for root canals or drilling.
Nadia Benkirane-Jessel, a scientist at the Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale and co-author of a recent paper on the subject says it isn't like a toothpaste. It doesn't prevent cavities but instead helps to control them once they develop.
The gel or thin film contains a peptide known as MSH, melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Experiments reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has shown that MSH encourages bone regeneration. Since bone and teeth are relatively similar, French scientists conducted a test of the MSH substance. They applied a film or gel containing MSH to cavity-filled mice teeth. After about a month, the cavities had disappeared.
MSH doesn't prevent cavities, it just treats them so proper oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing is still necessary. Numerous clinical trials over several years will still need to be performed before the MSH gels are available for human treatments.
The causes of cavities, which are bacteria and pus-filled holes on or in teeth, are varied. It could be anything from improper oral hygiene to eating acidic or sugary foods. When bacteria get the chance to start eating away at the teeth, they damage the protective enamel and other minerals inside the tooth.
Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37978810/ns/health-oral_health/
Nadia Benkirane-Jessel, a scientist at the Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale and co-author of a recent paper on the subject says it isn't like a toothpaste. It doesn't prevent cavities but instead helps to control them once they develop.
The gel or thin film contains a peptide known as MSH, melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Experiments reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has shown that MSH encourages bone regeneration. Since bone and teeth are relatively similar, French scientists conducted a test of the MSH substance. They applied a film or gel containing MSH to cavity-filled mice teeth. After about a month, the cavities had disappeared.
MSH doesn't prevent cavities, it just treats them so proper oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing is still necessary. Numerous clinical trials over several years will still need to be performed before the MSH gels are available for human treatments.
The causes of cavities, which are bacteria and pus-filled holes on or in teeth, are varied. It could be anything from improper oral hygiene to eating acidic or sugary foods. When bacteria get the chance to start eating away at the teeth, they damage the protective enamel and other minerals inside the tooth.
Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37978810/ns/health-oral_health/
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