News in Brief
- Earth
Remnants of Earth’s crust survive in the planet’s interior
A slab stayed unperturbed in the mantle for billions of years before resurfacing, sulfur measurements suggest.
- Earth
Yangtze’s age revealed
Geologists narrow window on time of the Chinese river’s origin to 23-36 million years ago.
- Space
American Physical Society meeting
A supernova’s remnants possibly showing up in fossils and an explanation for the Crab Nebula are among highlights from the physics meeting.
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- Microbes
Some like it acidic
In a higher-carbon world of altered oceans, a shelled plankton species may flourish.
- Life
Coelacanth is not closest fishy relative of terrestrial animals
Genes of “living fossil” do reveal changes needed to live on dry land.
- Health & Medicine
Colic in infancy linked to migraines later in childhood
No tie found between colicky babies and later tension headaches.
- Life
New bird flu claims more victims
H7N9 influenza spreads to Beijing, may come from poultry and pigeons.
- Anthropology
American Association of Physical Anthropologists meeting
Perhaps the oldest swatch of hominid skin yet found and –tzi the iceman’s Neandertal genetics are among the highlights from the physical anthropology meeting.
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- Physics
Questions raised about lithium-ion cell’s claim to fame
For lithium-ion batteries, a user’s charging habits may affect estimates of remaining charge after all.
- Climate
Cuts in some greenhouse gases could slow sea level rise
Methane, ozone and other short-lived pollutants have a big impact on ocean heights, simulation finds.
