Scientists find toxic metals hidden in popular plastic toys

Scientists find toxic metals hidden in popular plastic toys

A large-scale Brazilian study found dangerous levels of toxic metals in popular children’s toys, with barium and lead topping the list. Researchers used sophisticated lab methods to identify 21 hazardous elements and test how easily they could be released when toys are mouthed. Even though only small fractions leach out, the total concentrations were so high that safety concerns remain critical.

A strange ancient foot reveals a hidden human cousin

A strange ancient foot reveals a hidden human cousin

Researchers have finally assigned a strange 3.4-million-year-old foot to Australopithecus deyiremeda, confirming that Lucy’s species wasn’t alone in ancient Ethiopia. This hominin had an opposable big toe for climbing but still walked upright in a distinct style. Isotope tests show it ate different foods from A. afarensis, revealing clear ecological separation. These insights help explain how multiple early human species co-existed without wiping each other out.

Scientists uncover the brain’s hidden learning blocks

Scientists uncover the brain’s hidden learning blocks

Princeton researchers found that the brain excels at learning because it reuses modular “cognitive blocks” across many tasks. Monkeys switching between visual categorization challenges revealed that the prefrontal cortex assembles these blocks like Legos to create new behaviors. This flexibility explains why humans learn quickly while AI models often forget old skills. The insights may help build better AI and new clinical treatments for impaired cognitive adaptability.

The Sky Today on Friday, November 28: Saturn stands still

The Sky Today on Friday, November 28: Saturn stands still

Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column.  November 27: Ceres comes to a stop Saturn comes to a stationary point in our sky tonight at 8 P.M. EST in the constellation Aquarius. At 8 P.M. local time, the ringed planet is some 40° high in the south, shining at Continue reading "The Sky Today on Friday, November 28: Saturn stands still" The post The Sky Today on Friday, November 28: Saturn stands still appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .