Notebook

Earth

50 years ago, scientists dug into Pangaea’s past lives

In 1972, scientists wondered whether Pangaea was Earth’s only supercontinent. Fifty years later, we know it wasn’t the first and it won’t be the last.

Animals

After eons of isolation, these desert fish flub social cues

Pahrump poolfish flunked a fear test, but maybe they’re scared of other things.

Particle Physics

50 years ago, physicists got a whiff of what glues together protons

In 1972, particle smashups hinted at the gluon, which we now know not only holds together the innards of the proton, but also makes up more than a third of its mass.

Anthropology

How mythology could help demystify dog domestication

The path that dog myths took around the world closely parallels that of dog domestication, a new study finds.

Animals

How death’s-head hawkmoths manage to fly straight for miles in the dark

By tailing death’s-head hawkmoths in an airplane, scientists have found that the nocturnal insects appear to navigate using an internal compass.

Tech

50 years ago, genes eluded electron microscopes

In the 1970s, scientists dreamed of seeing genes under the microscope. Fifty years later, powerful new tools are helping to make that dream come true.

Health & Medicine

50 years ago, scientists hoped freezing donor organs would boost transplants

In the 1970s, biologists hoped to freeze organs so more could last long enough to be transplanted. Scientists are now starting to manage this feat.

Chemistry

These researchers are unlocking Renaissance beauty secrets

An art historian has teamed up with chemists to uncover the science behind cosmetics used around 500 years ago.

Paleontology

50 years ago, the dinosaurs’ demise was still a mystery 

In 1972, scientists blamed dinosaur biology for the reptiles’ demise. Years later, researchers ID’d the real killer: an apocalyptic asteroid.

Earth

50 years ago, a new theory of Earth’s core began solidifying

In 1972, scientists proposed that Earth’s core formed as the planet came together. Fifty years later, that theory is generally accepted, though many mysteries about the core remain.

Animals

50 years ago, eels’ navigation skills electrified scientists

Excerpt from the June 24, 1972 issue of Science News

Space

50 years ago, the United States and Soviet Union joined forces for science

In 1972, U.S. and Soviet leaders agreed to work together on science. Now, Russia’s war in Ukraine is straining that decades-long partnership.