This week, new analysis questions whether Covid-19 lockdowns have really affected the Moon temperaturethe largest study of its kind suggests that Sexual differences can be present in the human brain from birth, and scientists were surprised to see chimpanzees showing signs of contagious urination. Finally, we asked paleontologists what the Best Dinosaur Movie is in their opinion.
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The volcanic eruption that wiped out Pompeii was 32 hours of pure hell
When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, the suppressing lava, ash and gas that flowed from its bowels converted the Roman city of Pompeii in a terrifying snapshot of death and destruction. Two millennia old, researchers have finally recreated a disaster-blown narrative, revealing exactly how the eruption progressed and swept the city’s residents into the afterlife over the course of a day and a half. Read the full story here
Trust in science remains high across the world
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been widespread concerns that science is experiencing a crisis of public trust. The climb disinformation And conspiracy theories, along with criticism from high-profile individuals, have led to the idea that science and scientists have lost the trust of large numbers of people. However, recent research has demonstrated that this may not be the case; The narrative of a crisis of public confidence is not supported by the evidence, according to the authors of a new study. Read the full story here
Have Covid-19 lockdowns really affected the temperature of the moon?
Scientists have re-examined the claim that the Covid-19 lockdown affected temperatures on the moon, finding that they may have dropped a little on the moon’s surface before the pandemic. Covid-19 forged – and continues to wreak havoc on Earth. According to a 2024 study, its effects are not limited to our planet; The moon’s surface may have been indirectly affected by the resulting lock-in. However, a new analysis has challenged this conclusion. Read the full story here
Sex differences in human brains observed from birth in largest study of its kind
Structural differences between the male and female brains are evident from the first days of life, a new study suggests. Researchers found that even in young babies, female brains have more gray matter and male brains had more white matter, as well as a larger overall volume. But what do these results actually mean? Read the full story here
Contagious urination confirmed in chimpanzees for the first time, surprising scientists
In chimpanzees, peeing is contagious. That’s the surprising conclusion drawn by scientists at Kyoto University who described it as “an unexpected and fascinating result.” They conducted observational studies on chimpanzees in a sanctuary and saw that not only did they exhibit contagious urination, but it was also more likely in individuals with lower dominance and those physically closest to the instigious urinator. . Read the full story here
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Feature of the week:
What is the best dinosaur movie according to paleontologists? We asked some to find out
At IflScience, we love a dinosaur movie. If anything, too much (rumor obliges editor Katy Evans The velocipastor). To put it bluntly, our opinion on the best dino movie can’t be trusted – which is precisely why we decided to scroll through our list of scientific contacts to find out what the best dinosaur movie is according to real paleontologists. It turned out to be an intriguing passion project and one that provided answers we really didn’t expect. Read the full story here
More content:
Have you seen our e-magazine, CURIOUS? The number January 30, 2025 is Available now. This month we asked, “Why do humans like looking at fire?” – Check it out for exclusive interviews, book excerpts, long reads, and more.
Furthermore, the We have questions Podcast – An audio version of our coveted E-Magazine column – continues. In episode 5 we ask “How do you start looking for extraterrestrial life?“
Season 4 of IflScience The big questions Podcast concluded. To rewatch all episodes of season four, Click here.