Over a hundred years ago, archaeologists discovered fossils of the aquatic animal Palaeospondylus. But since then researchers have been unable to place where this animal sits on the tree of life. Now, new analysis of Palaeospondylus’s anatomy might help to solve this mystery.
Research article: Hirasawa et al.
News and Views: Clues to the identity of the fossil fish Palaeospondylus
A strong, silk-based version of mother of pearl, and the parrots that use their heads when climbing.
Research Highlight: Silk imitates mother of pearl for a tough, eco-friendly material
Research Highlight: A ‘forbidden’ body type? These parrots flout the rules
Archaeologists have used LiDAR to uncover evidence of an ancient civilization buried in the Bolivian Amazon. The team’s work suggests that this area was not as sparsely populated in pre-Hispanic times as previously thought.
Research article: Prümers et al.
News and Views: Large-scale early urban settlements in Amazonia
Nature Video: Lost beneath the leaves: Lasers reveal an ancient Amazonian civilisation
We discuss some highlights from the Nature Briefing. This time, the debate surrounding the first transplant of pig kidneys into humans, and the plants grown in lunar soil.
Nature News: First pig kidneys transplanted into people: what scientists think
BBC News: Moon soil used to grow plants for first time in breakthrough test
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Ancient mud reveals the longest record of climate from the tropics
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Ed Yong on the wondrous world of animal senses
Norovirus could spread through saliva: a new route for infection?
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Robot exercises shoulder cells for better tissue transplants
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How galaxies could exist without dark matter
Coronapod: 'viral ghosts' support idea that SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs could be behind long COVID
Retinas revived after donor's death open door to new science
Swapping in a bit of microbial 'meat' has big eco-gains
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