William Geffen
@WilliamGeffen
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- 35 Following
- 169 Posts
Retired pediatrician. Interested in our place in the universe and in time (evolution, history) and in the future: where we have been, where we are, and where we are going).
First-ever images prove 'lost echidna' not extinct https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-67363874
Further evidence points to footprints in New Mexico being the oldest sign of humans in Americas https://apnews.com/article/33e086dac71d4054cd5f5122810a73bf
Further evidence points to footprints in New Mexico being the oldest sign of humans in Americas
New research shows that fossil footprints discovered at the edge of an ancient lakebed in New Mexico's White Sands National Park date back to between 21,000 and 23,000 years ago. Previously, archaeologists thought human ancestors arrived about 15,000 years ago. The research was published Thursday in the journal Science. Scientists analyzed conifer pollen and quartz grains found at the site to reach date estimates. Earlier research that analyzed seeds of aquatic plants found at the site also produced similar date estimates. Ancient humans at White Sands lived alongside giant ground sloths, bison and other megafauna.
Redonda: Tiny Caribbean island’s transformation to wildlife haven https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-66922735
Tantalising sign of possible life on faraway world https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-66786611
India's moon rover completes its walk, scientists analyzing data looking for signs of frozen water. https://apnews.com/article/16cdb5c791fd90d0ca1e76d2d6d36bf8
India's moon rover completes its walk, scientists analyzing data looking for signs of frozen water.
India’s space mission says the moon rover has completed its walk on the lunar surface and been put into sleep mode less than two weeks after its historic landing near the lunar south pole. The Indian Space Research Organization said late Saturday the rover is now safely parked because daylight on that part of the moon is nearing an end. There was no word from the space agency on the outcome of its searches for signs of frozen water on the lunar surface. Earlier this week, it said the moon rover confirmed the presence of sulfur and detected several other elements near the lunar south pole. The rover solar panel is oriented to receive the light at the next sunrise expected on Sept. 22.
Pope says 'backward' U.S. conservatives have replaced faith with ideology https://apnews.com/article/bbfc346c117bd9ae68a1963478bea6b3
Pope says some 'backward' conservatives in US Catholic Church have replaced faith with ideology
Pope Francis has blasted the “backwardness” of some conservatives in the U.S. Catholic Church. He says they have replaced faith with ideology and that a correct understanding of Catholic doctrine allows for change over time. Francis made the comments in a private meeting with Portuguese Jesuits during a visit to Lisbon on Aug. 5. The Jesuit journal La Civilta Cattolica published a transcript of the encounter Monday. During the meeting, a Portuguese Jesuit told Francis that he had suffered during a recent sabbatical year in the United States because he came across many Catholics who criticized Francis. The pope acknowledged his point, saying there was “a very strong, organized reactionary attitude” in the U.S. church.