Life
The fossilized bacteria carry the oldest signs of the machinery needed for photosynthesis.
Fossilized bacteria dating back between 1.73 billion to 1.78 billion years ago show structures similar to those involved in the oxygen-producing photosynthesis found in most modern cyanobacteria and plants. These structures are called thylakoid membranes, and they are the oldest structures ever discovered, researchers report in a study published on January 3 in the journal Nature. This discovery pushes back the evidence of thylakoids in cyanobacteria by 1.2 billion years.
The invention of photosynthesis by cyanobacteria is responsible for the presence of oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere. “So this is a big deal,” according to Woodward Fischer, a geobiologist at the California Institute of Technology who was not involved in the discovery of the thylakoid membrane. He says, “This is the kind of information that I thought we would not be able to extract from fossils.”
Most fossils preserve mineral tissues such as bones or shells, but bacteria do not have such mineral structures. These fossils are “just a press of carbon” compressed in mud, Fischer says. Finding preserved bacteria is already exciting, but the new fossils reveal complex structures within the microscopic bacteria. “It points to a kind of future where we might be able to extract more information and details about embryology and anatomy from these very small fossils,” he says.
Health and Medicine
Embryos produce a protein that causes nausea during pregnancy.
Embryos produce a protein that causes nausea during pregnancy, according to Tina Hessman Sy in an article published 8 hours ago. This discovery is important for understanding the potential causes of morning sickness and how to manage it.
Morning sickness is one of the common symptoms of pregnancy, and many women experience this uncomfortable feeling during the early months of pregnancy. However, the exact cause of morning sickness is still not entirely understood. Interestingly, embryos are the ones producing the protein that causes nausea, indicating that there is a chemical interaction taking place within the body during pregnancy that leads to this condition.
Researchers believe that this protein produced by embryos may play a role in protecting the fetus from harmful substances and toxins that could enter the mother’s body during pregnancy. However, further research is needed to understand how this protein works and its effect on pregnancy.
Animals
Ant face patterns like whorls and beards may have practical value.
Ant face patterns like whorls and beards may have practical value, according to Susan Milius in an article published on January 2, 2024. Researchers point out that these unique facial patterns may play a role in ant recognition, identification, and navigation in the complex environment they inhabit.
Ants are social insects that live in organized communities and interact with each other in complex ways. Faces are considered a key feature that ants use to recognize each other and communicate with one another. Researchers have discovered that ants use facial patterns to recognize individuals and determine roles and tasks within the colony.
Researchers believe that these unique facial patterns may have practical value in identifying ants and guiding them in the complex environment they live in. This discovery may help in gaining a better understanding of ant behavior, interactions, and evolution.
Health and Medicine
Physical activity level affects health.
When it comes to physical activity, every little bit counts. Megan Rosen points out in an article published on January 2, 2024, that any physical activity can be beneficial for health and well-being. Research indicates that even simple physical activities like walking or cleaning the house can improve fitness and reduce the risks of chronic diseases.
It is recommended that
Experts recommend engaging in regular physical activity to maintain good health. Physical activity can include activities such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, or exercising. Physical activity can also have a positive impact on mental health, as it can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood.
Science and Society
Most people believe that self-control is the same as willpower. Researchers disagree
Most people think of self-control as the same as willpower. However, researchers differ in their views on the nature of self-control and its relationship to willpower. According to Sugata Gupta in an article published 10 hours ago, researchers see self-control as a complex process that requires several factors, including willpower, emotional regulation, planning, and organization.
Research indicates that self-control can be beneficial in many areas, such as achieving goals, managing stress, and improving personal relationships. Self-control can be learned and developed through training and regular practice. It is essential to raise awareness of the importance of self-control and to provide the necessary support and resources for individuals to develop this skill.
Health and Medicine
The level of physical activity affects health
When it comes to physical activity, every little bit counts. Megan Rosen points out in an article published on January 2, 2024, that any physical activity can be beneficial for health and well-being. Research suggests that even simple physical activities like walking or cleaning the house can improve fitness and reduce the risks of chronic diseases.
Experts recommend engaging in regular physical activity to maintain good health. Physical activity can include activities such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, or exercising. Physical activity may also have a positive impact on mental health, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and improve mood.
Earth
The phenomenon of lights similar to the aurora perplexes scientists with its complex physics
The phenomenon of lights resembling the aurora perplexes scientists with its complex physics, according to Maria Timing in an article published on December 20, 2023. Researchers indicate that these mysterious lights occur in the sky and resemble auroras but differ from them in several aspects.
The phenomenon of lights similar to the aurora is considered a rare and not well-understood phenomenon that occurs in the sky. This phenomenon has been named “Steve,” which is short for “Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement.” Research suggests that these lights occur due to complex physical interactions in the upper atmosphere.
Current studies are attempting to understand the complex physics of this phenomenon and how it occurs. These studies may contribute to increasing our understanding of the physical processes in the atmosphere and their effects on Earth and the surrounding environment.
Earth
Wrinkles beneath Thwaites Glacier may help slow its flow into the sea
Wrinkles beneath Thwaites Glacier may help slow its flow into the sea, according to Nick O’Gassa in an article published on December 19, 2023. Researchers suggest that the presence of wrinkles beneath the ice could lead to pressure dissipation and energy dispersion, thus slowing the flow of ice into the sea.
Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica is one of the largest glaciers in the world. Scientists have observed the presence of wrinkles under the ice surface, indicating deformities in the internal structure of the glacier. Researchers believe that these wrinkles could affect the flow of ice and contribute to slowing its movement toward the sea.
Current studies aim to understand the impact of wrinkles on ice flow and their development over time. This understanding may help guide efforts to mitigate ice melting and its impacts on sea level.
Physics
tails
The invisible comet tails from mucus slow down sea ice descent
The invisible comet tails from mucus slow down the fall of sea ice, according to Emily Konover in an article published on December 18, 2023. Researchers indicate that the presence of comet tails made of mucus leads to the dispersion of sea ice and slows its descent to the sea floor.
Sea ice is a thin layer of ice that forms on the surface of oceans. Scientists have observed the presence of invisible comet tails made of mucus beneath the sea ice. Researchers believe that these tails act as a barrier preventing sea ice from sinking into the water and slow its descent to the sea floor.
Current studies aim to understand the impact of comet tails on sea ice descent and their effects on the marine environment. This understanding may help guide efforts to preserve sea ice and reduce the impacts of climate change on oceans.
Planetary Science
A toxic gas found that could assist in the formation of life on Enceladus
A toxic gas has been found that could assist in the formation of life on Enceladus, according to Nick Oguasa in an article published on January 2, 2024. Researchers indicate that the presence of this toxic gas suggests suitable conditions for the occurrence of life on this icy moon of Saturn.
Enceladus is one of Saturn’s moons, and scientists have observed the presence of methane gas in the surface ice of this moon. Methane is a toxic gas and may have a negative impact on life. However, researchers believe that the presence of methane indicates suitable conditions for the occurrence of life on Enceladus.
Current studies aim to understand the effect of methane on Enceladus and how it impacts the moon’s surface and atmospheric environment. This understanding may help guide efforts in the search for extraterrestrial life and understanding the origin of life in the universe.
Life
These scientific discoveries are setting new records in 2023
These scientific discoveries reached new records in 2023, according to Maria Timming in an article published on December 21, 2023. Researchers indicate that these discoveries represent a tremendous advancement in our understanding of the world and the universe around us.
These discoveries encompass many fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and planetary science. These discoveries have been achieved thanks to technological advancements and advanced scientific tools. It is important for scientists to continue research and exploration to uncover more secrets and discoveries in the future.
Source: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/bacteria-fossils-oldest-machinery-photosynthesis-thylakoids
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