ScienceDaily: Fossils & Ruins NewsArticles in anthropology, archaeology, evolution theory and paleontology. Read the latest discoveries from archaeological sites and research institutes around the world. Images, updated daily.Antikythera Mechanism: Scientists Crack Secrets Of 2,000-year-old Astronomical Computer- July 31, 2008 Researchers have unravelled the secrets of a 2,000-year-old computer which could transform the way we think about the ancient world. The Antikythera Mechanism is a clock-like astronomical calculator dating from the second century BC, several years ago. Now, scientists believe they have cracked the centuries-old mystery of how it actually works.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080731143422.htm Isthmus Of Panama Formed As Result Of Plate Tectonics, Study Finds- July 31, 2008 Contrary to previous evidence, a new University of Florida study shows the Isthmus of Panama was most likely formed by a Central American Peninsula colliding slowly with the South American continent through tectonic plate movement over millions of years.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080729234142.htm First Indication For Embalming In Roman Greece- July 31, 2008 Researchers have found indications of embalming in Roman Greek times. By means of physico-chemical and histological methods, it was possible to show that various resins, oils and spices were used during embalming of a ca. 55 year old female in Northern Greece. This is the first ever multidisciplinary-based indication for artificial mummification in Greece at 300 AD.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080730155631.htm New Technique Reveals Van Gogh Portrait Of A Women Behind Another Painting- July 31, 2008 A new technique allows pictures which were later painted over to be revealed once more. A new technique allows pictures which were later painted over to be revealed once more. Researchers have successfully applied this technique for the first time to the painting entitled Patch of Grass by Vincent van Gogh. Behind this painting is a portrait of a woman.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080730155627.htm Diamonds May Have Been Life's Best Friend On Primordial Earth- July 30, 2008 Diamonds may have been life's best friend. Billions of years ago, the surface of these gems may have provided just the right conditions to foster the chemical reactions believed to have given rise to life on Earth, researchers in Germany report.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080728220324.htm Did Dinosaur Soft Tissues Still Survive New Research Challenges Notion- July 30, 2008 Paleontologists in 2005 hailed research apparently showing that soft tissues had been recovered from dissolved dinosaur bones, but new research suggests the supposed recovered tissue is really just biofilm -- or slime.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080729234140.htm 'Chicken And Chips' Theory Of Pacific Migration- July 30, 2008 A new study of DNA from ancient and modern chickens has shed light on the controversy about the extent of prehistoric Polynesian contact with the Americas.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080729133618.htm Bacteria Reveal Secret Of Adaptation At Evolution Canyon- July 30, 2008 Bacteria living on opposite sides of a canyon have evolved to cope with different temperatures by altering the make-up of their 'skin,' or cell membranes. Scientists have found that bacteria change these complex and important structures to adapt to different temperatures by looking at the appearance of the bacteria as well as their genes. The researchers hope their study, published in the August issue of Microbiology, will start a new trend in research.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080727224059.htm Insect Biodiversity In Amazon May Be Result Of Ice Age Climate Change And Ancient Flooding, Not River Barriers- July 30, 2008 Ice age climate change and ancient flooding -- but not barriers created by rivers -- may have promoted the evolution of new insect species in the Amazon region of South America, a new study suggests. The Amazon basin is home to the richest diversity of life on earth, yet the reasons why this came to be are not well understood.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722225339.htm Piecing Together An Extinct Lemur, Large As A Big Baboon- July 29, 2008 Researchers have used computed tomography technology to virtually glue newly-discovered skull fragments of a rare extinct lemur back into its partial skull, discovered over a century ago. The skull fragments are separated by thousands of miles, with the partial skull in Vienna and the pieces of frontal bone in the United States. The result of the digital manipulation is a nearly complete skull, which is one of only two known skulls for its species.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080728192653.htm |