Fossilized dinosaur eggshells can preserve amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, over millions of years

Calcite, the material making up fossilized eggshells, may preserve amino acids better than bone.

Evan Thomas Saitta, Postdoctoral Scholar in Paleontology, University of Chicago • conversation
April 9, 2024 ~9 min

Mutton, an Indigenous woolly dog, died in 1859 − new analysis confirms precolonial lineage of this extinct breed, once kept for their wool

Dogs have lived with Indigenous Americans since before they came to the continent together 10,000 years ago. A new analysis reveals the lineage of one 1800s ‘woolly dog’ from the Pacific Northwest.

Logan Kistler, Curator of Archaeobotany and Archaeogenomics, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution • conversation
Dec. 14, 2023 ~12 min


Earth may have had all the elements needed for life within it all along − contrary to theories that these elements came from meteorites

Scientists analyzing isotope ratios have found that many of the elements that make up life could be left over from Earth’s formation.

Wenzhong Wang, Professor of Planetary Science, University of Science and Technology of China • conversation
Dec. 6, 2023 ~4 min

How a disgruntled scientist looking to prove his food wasn't fresh discovered radioactive tracers and won a Nobel Prize 80 years ago

Some Nobel Prize-winning ideas originate in strange places, but still go on to revolutionize the scientific field. George de Hevesy’s research on radioactive tracers is one such example.

Sean Liddick, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Michigan State University • conversation
Oct. 5, 2023 ~9 min

Cosmic rays left clues to erosion in the Andes

A team of researchers used radioisotope analysis to document erosion rates in the Andes Mountains of Argentina.

Dan Bernardi-Syracuse • futurity
March 15, 2023 ~7 min

Tin from shipwreck reveals surprising trade network

Findings from the 2,000-year-old Uluburun shipwreck reveal a complex trade network involving communities of highlander pastoralists.

Sara Savat-WUSTL • futurity
Dec. 1, 2022 ~11 min

Powerful linear accelerator begins smashing atoms – 2 scientists on the team explain how it could reveal rare forms of matter

A new particle accelerator has just begun operation. It is the most powerful accelerator of its kind on Earth and will allow physicists to study some of the rarest matter in the universe.

Artemis Spyrou, Professor of Nuclear Physics, Michigan State University • conversation
Nov. 14, 2022 ~10 min

Isotopes identify African dust plumes in Houston

Researchers tracked African dust plumes that made their way to Houston, Texas.

Texas A&M University • futurity
Oct. 11, 2022 ~7 min


Nuclear isomers were discovered 100 years ago, and physicists are still unraveling their mysteries

Nuclear isomers are rare versions of elements with properties that mystified physicists when first discovered. Isomers are now used in medicine and astronomy, and researchers are set to discover thousands more of them.

Dennis Mücher, Associate Professor of Nuclear Physics, University of Guelph • conversation
May 24, 2022 ~9 min

Nuclear fusion hit a milestone thanks to better reactor walls – this engineering advance is building toward reactors of the future

In January 2022, the JET fusion experiment produced more power over a longer period of time than any past attempt. Two physicists explain the engineering advancements that made the result possible.

Livia Casali, Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee • conversation
April 4, 2022 ~10 min

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