From poison to power: How lead exposure helped shape human intelligence

From poison to power: How lead exposure helped shape human intelligence

Long before humans built cities or wrote words, our ancestors may have faced a hidden threat that shaped who we became. Scientists studying ancient teeth found that early humans, great apes, and even Neanderthals were exposed to lead millions of years ago. This toxic metal can damage the brain, yet modern humans developed a tiny genetic change that protected our minds and allowed language and intelligence to flourish.

The Sky Today on Thursday, October 16: The Moon rises with Regulus

The Sky Today on Thursday, October 16: The Moon rises with Regulus

Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column.  October 15: Check out Comet Lemmon The waning Moon has moved into Leo and stands close to Regulus, the Lion’s bright heart, in the early-morning sky today. An hour before sunrise, they are 40° high in the east, with the crescent Moon just Continue reading "The Sky Today on Thursday, October 16: The Moon rises with Regulus" The post The Sky Today on Thursday, October 16: The Moon rises with Regulus appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .

A galactic eye

A galactic eye

Rod Pommier from Portland, Oregon Spiral galaxy M94 earns the nickname of the Cat’s Eye Galaxy for its hypnotic visual appearance — the disk surrounding its core is highlighted by a bright blue ring of star formation, called a starburst ring. Outside the disk lies what appears to be a faint outer ring that is Continue reading "A galactic eye" The post A galactic eye appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .

A giant asteroid hit Earth, but its crater is missing

A giant asteroid hit Earth, but its crater is missing

Researchers discovered a new field of ancient tektites in South Australia, revealing a long-forgotten asteroid impact. These 11-million-year-old glass fragments differ chemically and geographically from other known tektites. Although the crater remains missing, the find exposes a massive event once thought unrecorded, offering clues to Earth’s tumultuous past and planetary defense.