Ardipithecus ramidus—the skeletal proto-human also known as Ardi—was discovered almost 18 years ago. The first scientific reporters were published last year. And now, other researchers are coming forward to challenge the way Ardi's discoverers interpreted the evidence about her habitat and place in the human family tree. But here's the kicker—these challenges aren't a scandal. In fact, this is the normal way that science, of all sorts, happens. I point this out, because I think it's a basic fact that the public doesn't really understand, and that we—the science reporters—often forget to clarify. Science works because scientists disagree. They challenge each other's ideas, find better ways to interpreting the data and eventually come to conclusions that bring us closer to truth. (Story via Cort Sims)
Scientists disagree. You should not be surprised.
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Possible sign of life on Venus
Astronomers reported today that they've detected phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus, a possible biosignature of life on the planet. The researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of… READ THE REST
Startling, beautiful, and weird close-up images of our Sun
Using Europe's largest solar telescope, GREGOR, researchers captured these incredible images of details on the surface of the sun. Above is a sunspot while the image below "reveals intricate structures… READ THE REST
Programmable, 3D-printed fabric that can "remember" its original shape and transform into new ones
Imagine that your jacket changes shape depending on the temperature or your socks can provide additional support with the push of a button. Harvard engineers created a new material using… READ THE REST
Short Post, just one paragraph
Disclosure: Boing Boing earns a commission on purchases made through links in this post. Dessert cheesecake wafer bear claw fruitcake. Fruitcake chupa chups donut candy canes marzipan. Apple pie sweet… READ THE REST
Save 50% on a 1-year subscription to Dashlane's premium password manager
Disclosure: Boing Boing earns a commission on purchases made through links in this post. We all know vital information about ourselves and our private digital accounts can be compromised by… READ THE REST
The Bite Helper removes the itch of a mosquito bite in seconds
Disclosure: Boing Boing earns a commission on purchases made through links in this post. While mosquitoes have certainly earned their title as the deadliest animal on earth, their impact on… READ THE REST