ESA's Rosetta data points to daily water-ice cycle near surface of comets

Scientists, looking at data from the Rosetta spacecraft, orbiting Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko since last year, have found a region on surface of the comet where water ice comes out and vanishes in sync with day, or rotation period of the comet.

Their findings have been published in the journal Nature on September 23, 2015.

Fabrizio Capaccioni, principal investigator for a key instrument on Rosetta named the Visible, InfraRed and Thermal Imaging Spectrometer (VIRTIS), said, "We suspected such a water-ice cycle might be at play at comets, on the basis of theoretical models and previous observations of other comets. But now, thanks to Rosetta's extensive monitoring at 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, we finally have observational proof".

Enamel has its origin in fish scales: Study

A finding by a group of researchers revealed more information about the origin of the enamel, which covers human teeth. According to LA Times, by looking at the evolution of prehistoric fish, it has been concluded by the researchers that enamel has its origin in the scales prior to developing on teeth and bones.

According to the researchers, enamel is a layer that protects teeth and bones. It is also known as the hardest part in the human body.

In the study of ancient animals, the researchers were already aware that in the beginning, this material appeared on the scales of fish. Earlier, they used to think that it moved to the teeth and bones following the process of evolution considerably rearranged the scales' location. But the latest finding offered a different scenario.

Experimental glider could reach edge of space in future

It was shown in a test run carried out earlier this week that an experimental glider could arrive at the edge of space without the help of an engine. The crewed glider, named Perlan 2, was able to reach an altitude of 5,000 feet, in a proof-of-concept test prior to next year's record-breaking journey that has been planned to the stratosphere.

On Thursday, Allen McArtor, chairman of Airbus North America(AIR.PA), told Reuters after he visited Oregon to watch the test that the first flight is an important achievement and it is quite impressive.

Human ancestors lived alongside Giant Apex Predator Lizards: Study

Researchers have found a tiny bone from underneath a lizard's skin. The study of bone helped scientists to get a new view of life that first humans lived in Australia during the last ice age.

The University of Queensland reported that the scientists, working in Central Queensland, found evidence proving that giant apex predator lizards existed in the Queensland region at the same time as our human ancestors.

UQ vertebrate palaeoecologist Gilbert Price, said, "Our jaws dropped when we found a tiny fossil from a giant lizard during a two [meter] deep excavation in one of the Capricorn Caves, near Rockhampton".

New Images of Pluto show Alien-Looking Landscape with Regular Ripples

NASA's New Horizons has recently sent a new batch of images of Pluto which includes spectral maps and high-resolution images of the dwarf planet. One such image also shows a 'snakeskin' texture that appears covering wide area.

As per NASA experts, the most exciting thing about these images is that like most of the high-resolution views being beamed back from the Kuiper belt, planetary scientists only have a vague idea as to what might be going on.

William McKinnon, New Horizons Geology, Geophysics and Imaging (GGI) team deputy lead from Washington University in St. Louis, said the images show a unique and puzzling landscape stretching over hundreds of miles.

Global Warming and Evolution Reshaping Bodies of Some American Bumblebees

A team of researchers, through a study, has come across another harm caused by global warming. The team noted that global warming and evolution is reshaping bodies of some American bumblebees.

The study showed that the tongues of the two Rocky Mountains species of bumblebees are about one-quarter shorter than they used to be 40 years ago. Study authors said the bumblebees are evolving this way because climate change altered the buffet of wildflowers they normally feed on.

According to the researchers, in one of these species, they found that the tongue had been almost half the size of the bee's body, the equivalent of a human tongue going down to the waist.

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