Latest science news in Paleontology & Archaeology
Home found in Nazareth dates to Jesus' time
Archaeologists say the dwelling housed a 'simple Jewish family' and speculate that Jesus may have known the house during his childhood in what was then an out-of-the-way hamlet. ...
New warbler discovered in Laos
A diminutive, colorful bird living in the rocky forests of Laos and Vietnam has been discovered.
Dental delight: Tooth of sea urchin shows formation of biominerals
Some of the most common minerals in biology, including those in bones and shells, have a mysterious structure: Their crystals are positioned in the same orientation, making them behave as...
Venomous prehistoric bird found in China
LAWRENCEVILLE, Kan., Dec. 23 (UPI) -- A fossil found in China is the first venomous raptor in the lineage leading to modern birds, scientists at the University of Kansas...
Shallow Origins
In finding answers to the mystery of the origin of life, scientists may not have to dig too deep. New research is shedding light on shallower waters as a possible...
Study casts doubt on provocative tuberculosis theory
A new study is casting doubt on a provocative theory that explains why tuberculosis can lie dormant in some patients for many years.
Venomous Dinosaur Discovered--Shocked Prey Like Snake?
Jurassic Park may have had it partly right. Some raptors did have venom, though it was more stupefying than lethal, a new study suggests.
In Oak and Iron, New Pipe Organ Sounds Echo of Age of Bach
In upstate New York, a reproduction of an instrument in Lithuania, built in the 18th century, brings a precious craft back to life.
Scientists retrieve Caravaggio's presumed remains
Italian scientists Monday collected from a small chapel bones that are presumed to be the remains of celebrated Renaissance artist Caravaggio who died 400 years ago.
Ancient Pacific islanders brought to light
(PhysOrg.com) -- A find of 60 headless skeletons summer 2009 may reveal the identity of the people who first inhabited the Pacific Ocean archipelago Vanuatu 3000 years ago.
Building a Search Engine of the Brain, Slice by Slice
In Southern California, the dissection of H. M.’s brain opens the door to a much more ambitious project.
Some insects able to survive freezing
CHICAGO, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- A microscope the size of a football field near Chicago is being used to study why some insects can survive freezing, researchers said.
Chimps master first step in controlling fire
Chimps remain cool under fire, possessing a near human ability to predict how wildfires spread and react accordingly. Wildfire - Home - United States - Cooking...
Observatory: DNA Shifts Timeline for Mammoths’ Exit
Analysis of DNA in sediment from Alaska suggests that overhunting by early man was not solely responsible for the extinction of woolly mammoths and horses, researchers said.
Large genetic variance in skull, limb bone
LONDON, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Understanding the differences between skull and limb bones could lead to new ways to treat or prevent osteoporosis, British scientists said.
World's First Fuel Cell Ship Docks in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN--Pleasure yachts and tall ships line the wharves and quays of Nyhavn here in the Danish capital. Shipping in Denmark goes back to the Vikings and their long ships that...
Mystery of golden ratio explained
The Egyptians supposedly used it to guide the construction the Pyramids. The architecture of ancient Athens is thought to have been based on it. Fictional Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon tried...
Loud and lazy but didn't chew gum: Ancient koalas
Skull fragments of prehistoric koalas from the Riversleigh rainforests of millions of year ago suggest they shared the modern koala's 'lazy' lifestyle and ability to produce loud 'bellowing' calls to...
Familial Mediterranean Fever: Rare genetic disease is often misdiagnosed
FMF, which primarily affects Greeks, Armenians, Turks, and Sephardic Jews, has ancient roots but remained a medical mystery until the mid-20th century. ...
Stonehenge bones may be evidence of winter solstice feasts
Sheffield University archaeologists believe enigmatic prehistoric monument was used for ritual banquets on special occasionsSome 4,500 years ago, as the solstice sun rose on Stonehenge, it is very likely that a midwinter feast...
Russian railways enter modern age with new express
Famed for the legendary trains that clank across seven time zones on its Trans-Siberian railroad, Russia this week entered the modern railway age with its first high-tech express train.
An Air of Frustration for Europe at Climate Talks
Caught off guard by the Copenhagen accord, European leaders felt pressure to back it even though they they thought did not go far enough and had a process in which...
Prison population to have first drop since 1972
DALLAS (AP) -- The United States may soon see its prison population drop for the first time in almost four decades, a milestone in a nation...
What's his name again? How celebrity monikers can help us remember
Famous mugs do more than prompt us into buying magazines, according to new Universite de Montreal research. In the December issue of the Canadian Journal on Aging, a team of...
Video: Terry Pratchett on religion: 'I'd rather be a rising ape than a fallen angel'
At the Guardian Book Club, bestselling author Terry Pratchett gives his views on science and religionJohn MullanAndy Gallagher
Do-it-yourself bed-bug detector
With bed-bug numbers on the rise in North America, researchers test homemade bug finders
Scientists get to the root of ancient case of sour grapes
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists in Cambridge have discovered that a lowly grape variety grown by peasants - but despised by noblemen - during the Middle Ages was the mother of many...
COPENHAGEN (AP) -- Obama says US and Russia 'quite close' to new arm...
COPENHAGEN (AP) -- Obama says US and Russia 'quite close' to new arms control treaty....