Don’t let the title fool you, tardigrades and sea-monkeys also figure prominently in this story.
Category: chemistry
Wasp Nests Help Date Aboriginal Art – Scientific American
By radiocarbon-dating the remains of mud wasp nests on ancient Aboriginal paintings in rock shelters in Western Australia, scientists were able to pinpoint when the art was created.
Industrial Revolution Pollution Found in Himalayan Glacier – Scientific American
The Industrial Revolution didn’t just pollute the cities where coal-powered mechanization took off a little more than 200 years ago. It also left its mark on the Himalayas, more than 6,000 miles away.
Ick Factor Is High Hurdle for Recycled Drinking Water – Scientific American
The idea of drinking recycled water taps into people’s deep-seated sense of disgust.
Egyptian Vats 5,600 Years Old Were For Beer Brewing – Scientific American
Chemical analysis of vats at Hierakonpolis reveals that Ancient Egyptians mass-produced beer.
Tardigrade Protein Protects DNA from Chemical Attack – Scientific American
A protein unique to these hardy creatures protects them from damage from radiation and other perils. Listen to the Scientific American 60-Second Science podcast: podcast: https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/tardigrade-protein-protects-dna-from-chemical-attack/#transcripts-body