Friday, August 2, 2024

Week in Science: The most important rock on Mars

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August 2—This week, quantum physics complicates an ancient mathematical paradox, NASA discovers a rock on Mars that could hold evidence of alien life, and why some people can get so attached to celebrities and TV characters. And check out our new games section!

--Andrea Gawrylewski, Chief Newsletter Editor


Quantum Physics Has Reopened Zeno's Paradoxes

For thousands of years, scholars pondered the question of how anything can move in our world. The problem seemed to have been solved—until the development of quantum mechanics

This Is the Most Exciting Rock Ever Found on Mars

Mysterious "leopard spots" on a Martian rock could be evidence of extraterrestrial life—or of mere lifeless chemistry. Finding out the truth may require bringing the rock back to Earth

Parasocial Relationships Can Tell Us a Lot about the Social Brain

People can form surprisingly strong bonds with others—even when that tie is one-sided

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Join Dr. Zahi Hawass, the living legend of Egyptology, and Dr. Mostafa Waziri, one of Egypt's Head of Antiquities, on the Royal Egypt Tour! Unlock ancient secrets, learn firsthand about the latest discoveries, and gain exclusive, beyond-the-guidebook insights from the world's most renowned archaeologists.

Social Media Is Junk Food for Information Foragers

Social media exploits our evolved need for information, feeding us fluff and outright misinformation. A new science of human collective behavior can help us retake control

Combining Ayahuasca Compound with Drugs like Ozempic Could Help Treat Diabetes, Mouse Model Suggests

Researchers combined the drug harmine with a medication similar to Ozempic to boost the number and function of human insulin-producing cells transplanted into mice

Tornado Scientists Love Twister and Twisters. Here's Why

Weather experts talk about why the film Twister is often such a favorite among tornado researchers and what they think of its new stand-alone sequel, Twisters

Dungeons & Dragons Is Shedding 'Race' in Gaming. Here's Why It Matters

The nerd culture powerhouse is rebranding its elves, dwarfs and orcs, previously referred to as races, and moving towards use of the term species

Musical Memories Don't Fade with Age

Eighty-year-olds are able to identify familiar tunes just as well as teenagers can

How to See Stars, Satellites, and More in the Daytime Sky

It's possible to see celestial objects during the day, but it's not always easy

Taylor Swift and Bach Can Thank Ancient Temples for Modern Music

The basic notes, rests and harmonies of Western music arose as humans heard how sounds traveled through the first large temples, built more than 2,000 years ago

This Climate-Conscious Farming Practice Might Be Backfiring

Scientists say efforts to tame methane in agriculture can spur the output of another greenhouse gas: nitrous oxide

Honeybees Wing-Slap Ants That Try to Invade Their Hive

Japanese honeybees use their wings to slap back ants trying to invade their hive

Scientist Pankaj

Today in Science: Your brain really does choke under pressure

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