People seem to have stopped fearing ichthyosaurs altogether – now they’re regarded as the first evolutionary attempt at creating dolphins. But ichthyosaurs came in many forms – some were very large, very predatory, and very toothy.

The reputation of ichthyosaurs as true monsters can be restored, for example, by the Himalayasaurus, despite its name, found in Tibet in the 1970s (not entirely despite the name, its full name is Himalayasaurus tibetensis) – even present-day Tibet was once the ocean floor. This leviathan reached 15 meters in length and weighed about 35 tons, making it one of the largest predators in the planet’s history.

Recently, they found a relative of the Himalayasaurus, with much smaller teeth, which, nevertheless, managed to bite off the tail of another massive marine reptile and swallowed the rest, somehow managing to eat something about two-thirds of its own size. It seems that the Himalayasaurus could have swallowed an average-sized Tyrannosaurus rex whole, without even biting off the tail! However, it would have been difficult for them to meet – the Himalayasaurus lived in the Triassic period, 215 million years ago, meaning that less time has passed between T. rex and us than between Himalayasaurus and T. rex.

I’m not sure what it was swallowing instead of Tyrannosaurs, but it is believed that this Triassic sea titan was the strongest of all known Mesozoic predators.

@science

Exploring Ancient Life in 2-Billion-Year-Old Rocks

Scientists have made an extraordinary discovery in the Bushveld Igneous Complex of South Africa, where 2-billion-year-old rocks host microbial life. These microorganisms have thrived deep underground, inside mineral-filled veins, without sunlight or significant external energy sources. Advanced imaging techniques, including infrared and electron microscopy, revealed colonies of microbes in clay-sealed veins, indicating that these ancient environments could have supported life for billions of years.

In 1963, Polaroid’s chemists marked a breakthrough in photography.

For over 15 years, they tested more than 5,000 different reagents, all with the goal of perfecting the process of color printing.


#history #science

We are continuing our survey to learn more about where our readers are from. The interim results can be seen in the chart here. It’s amazing to see that Science is being read in all corners of the globe! Thank you for your support and participation!

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Severe geomagnetic storms, reaching up to G4 class or even higher, are expected on Earth from Thursday to Friday. These storms could also be the longest-lasting of the year.

🚀✨ A Rare Celestial Visitor is Approaching Earth! 🌌🌠

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, a comet discovered in 1965, is making its closest approach to Earth this month – a sight that won’t happen again for thousands of years! This icy wanderer will be visible through binoculars or small telescopes, offering a rare chance to catch a glimpse of a comet that’s been traveling through the cosmos for millions of years.

Mark your calendars for mid-October, when it will be closest to us, passing at a distance of about 33 million miles (53 million kilometers). The best viewing time will be just before dawn, as it appears near the constellation Cancer.

🌠 Fun fact: Comets like Tsuchinshan-ATLAS are considered “time capsules” from the early solar system, containing ancient materials that date back billions of years.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the mysteries of the universe! 🪐🔭 #CometTsuchinshanATLAS #Astronomy #Stargazing #SpaceExploration #CosmicWonders

A comet passes by the Sun!

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS), which under certain conditions is currently visible to the naked eye, has been captured by the SOHO spacecraft. In the center of the image, the Sun is obscured by a coronagraph, while solar eruptions can be seen all around.

#science #space #comet

Wow, those new Ilon Musk bots are awesome!

@science #robots

Scientists have developed a pill that could replace exercise and dieting.

The drug, called LaKe, activates muscle metabolism and improves endurance by mimicking the effects of prolonged physical activity.

Additionally, the pill reduces fat levels and provides other health benefits—much like running a 10-kilometer race.

Initial tests on mice have already shown positive results, and the next step will be human trials.

👍 — This is exactly what we need!

Today, SpaceX successfully caught its Super Heavy booster for the first time using “mechanical arms.”

Neurons under a microscope

The giant, perfectly circular area you’re referring to is indeed quite striking and often prompts imaginative explanations like alien activity. However, this circular shape is entirely man-made. It surrounds Mount Taranaki, an extinct stratovolcano in New Zealand, within a forest reserve whose borders were established by humans. The distinct boundary between the lush forest of the reserve and the surrounding farmlands creates this almost perfect circle visible from space. The reserve’s purpose is to protect the ecosystem around the volcano, and the contrast between the preserved forest and agricultural land results in the striking shape.