[Jawlist] Weekly Science Report 1-15-10

Sun Jan 17 09:22:51 PST 2010

Good Morning Everyone,

Below is this week's edition.  Enjoy!

Steve Detwiler

Weekly Science Report
January 15, 2010

“Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, literature dumb, science crippled, thought and speculation at a standstill. I think that there is nothing, not even crime, more opposed to poetry, to philosophy, ay, to life itself than this incessant business.”
Henry David Thoreau

News Articles

Paleontology, Evolution and Prehistoric Studies

Ancient hominids may have been seafarers
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/53219/title/Ancient_hominids_may_have_been_seafarers

Heavy Brows, High Art?: Newly Unearthed Painted Shells Show Neandertals Were Homo sapiens's Mental Equals
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=neandertal-art-human

Megalithic spin? Brockdorff Circle report literally rewrites history
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2010/06/t5.html

Did We Mate Or Murder Neanderthals?
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/07/tech/main6068619.shtml

Oldest primate fossils found
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/30566/oldest-primate-fossils-found

What Happened to the Hominids Who May Have Been Smarter Than Us?
http://discovermagazine.com/2009/the-brain-2/28-what-happened-to-hominids-who-were-smarter-than-us/article_view?b_start:int=0&-C=

Fossil footprints give land vertebrates a much longer history
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-01/uu-ffg010710.php

Australian Aborigines Were Prime Impact Crater-Hunters
http://news.discovery.com/earth/australian-aborigines-are-prime-impact-crater-hunters.html

Some "Non-Avian Feathered Dinosaurs" May Have Been Birds
http://news.discovery.com/dinosaurs/some-feathered-dinosaurs-may-have-been-birds.html

Tiny Dinosaur Creates Paleontology Puzzle
http://news.discovery.com/dinosaurs/tiny-dinosaur-creates-paleontology-puzzle.html

Bering Strait's Ups and Downs Alter Climate
http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2010/111/2

Dead Sea-dwelling microbes reveal roots of protein common to all higher life forms
http://www.physorg.com/news182441878.html

Accentuating the Positive: Researchers Closer to Pinpointing Beneficial Evolutionary Mutations in the Human Genome
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=positive-selection-mutations-human-evolution

In praise of… Neanderthal man
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jan/13/in-praise-of-neanderthal-man

Stable climate and plant domestication linked
http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=65852&CultureCode=en

Visit to the Cradle of Humankind
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jan/15/sterkfontein-caves-south-africa

Light shed on fish gill mystery 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8454592.stm

Study: Breathing Like a Bird Helped Dino Ancestors Rise to Power
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2010/01/14/study-breathing-like-a-bird-helped-dino-ancestors-rise-to-power/

190m-yr-old dino fossils found in Argentina
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/190m-yr-old-dino-fossils-found-in-Argentina/articleshow/5430483.cms

Ancient and General History

How the Alexander Mosaic was Seen
http://news.discovery.com/archaeology/how-the-alexander-mosaic-was-used.html

Most ancient Hebrew biblical inscription deciphered
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-01/uoh-mah010710.php

The oldest brothels in the Malaga
http://www.euroweeklynews.com/2010010570154/news/costa-del-sol/the-oldest-brothels-in-the-malaga.html

Vatican reveals Secret Archives
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/vaticancityandholysee/6917990/Vatican-reveals-Secret-Archives.html

Oliver Stone's 'Secret History' to put Hitler 'in context'
http://www.thrfeed.com/2010/01/oliver-stone-history-america.html

Miep Gies, who helped hide Anne Frank, dies at 100
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100112/ap_on_re_eu/eu_netherlands_obit_miep_gies

Ancient Costa Rica Part I: Lost history in the land of the crossroads
http://www.boingboing.net/2010/01/11/ancient-costa-rica-p.html

Ancient Costa Rica Pt. 2: The narrow road to Guayabo
http://www.boingboing.net/2010/01/12/ancient-costa-rica-p-1.html

No rest for Caravaggio, 400 years on
http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100112/ART/701119970/1007

The solution to a 200-year-old encryption
http://www.physorg.com/news182440017.html

Political spycraft seen in Nixon papers
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100111/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_nixon_papers

On this rare map, China is the center of the world
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_chinese_map_debut

Pope gunman to be freed from Turkish prison
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34838473/ns/world_news-europe/

On a mission to crack the Norse code
http://www.heraldscotland.com/life-style/travel-outdoors/on-a-mission-to-crack-the-norse-code-1.997762

Missing 500-Years of Loggias, Porticos Described
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112155230.htm

Leonardo-Attributed Painting Mystifies Art Experts
http://news.discovery.com/human/leonardo-attributed-painting-mystifies-art-experts.html

Jim Al-Khalili: Islam's House of Wisdom will rise again
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20527431.200-jim-alkhalili-islams-house-of-wisdom-will-rise-again.html

Temple discovery reveals clues of Indonesia's past
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/15/2793625.htm

Mysterious Jamestown Tablet an American Rosetta Stone?
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/01/100113-jamestown-tablet-slate-american-rosetta-stone/

MLK's FBI Files May Soon See Daylight
http://news.discovery.com/history/mlks-fbi-files-may-soon-see-daylight.html

Classified Recordings of First Fusion Bomb Test Found in Old Safe
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/01/first-fusion-bomb-test/

Laminated Linen Protected Alexander the Great
http://news.discovery.com/archaeology/linothorax-alexander-great-armor.html

Archaeology

Bits of 81 ancient bronze mirrors unearthed
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20100109TDY03104.htm

Iraqi archaeologists find ancient Sumerian settlement
http://www.france24.com/en/20100108-iraqi-archaeologists-find-ancient-sumerian-settlement

Beccles dig unearths ancient secrets
http://www.advertiser24.co.uk/content/advertiser24/news/story.aspx?brand=WAVOnline&category=News&tBrand=WAVOnline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED07+Jan+2010+13%3A24%3A38%3A160

15th-century relic discovered in Haveri
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/15th-century-relic-discovered-in-Haveri/articleshow/5425218.cms

Daily blog tracks Penn’s archaeological research in Laos
http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/current/latestnews/010710-2.html

First Minoan Shipwreck
http://www.archaeology.org/1001/abstracts/minoan_shipwreck.html

Sifting fact from fiction in Cao Cao's mausoleum
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2010-01/07/content_12768702.htm

Sacred Statue Uncovered at Site of Ancient Hindu Temple in Yogyakarta
http://thejakartaglobe.com/news/sacred-statue-uncovered-at-site-of-ancient-hindu-temple-in-yogyakarta/351256

Archaeological Cemeteries and public Baths Unearthed in Syria
http://www.english.globalarabnetwork.com/201001064271/Culture/archaeological-cemeteries-and-public-baths-unearthed-in-syria.html

Deal Signed to Protect Ancient Art in Utah Canyon
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=9489650

Iraqi police seize artifacts amid smuggling fears
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/middleeast/story/977433.html

Syria's mysterious Dead Cities
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2010/jan/09/syria-dead-cities-byzantine-archaeology

Temple of Hadad in Aleppo Citadel Sheds Light on Important Periods
http://www.english.globalarabnetwork.com/201001094300/Culture/archaeological-findings-temple-of-hadad-in-aleppo-citadel-sheds-light-on-important-periods.html

Fresh dig starts at 2,500 year old fort city
http://bdnews24.com/details.php?id=150558&cid=2

Burial Discovered at Bonampak Building
http://dti.inah.gob.mx/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=39&Itemid=150

Archeologists discover 8,000-year-old building in Tel Aviv
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1141836.html

Shipworm threatens archaeological treasures
http://www.physorg.com/news182431980.html

East Yorkshire gas storage facility making historic discoveries - Iron Age sword found at Centrica site, Caythorpe
http://www.huttoncranswicktoday.co.uk/736/East-Yorkshire-gas-storage-facility.5971733.jp

Palestinians find ancient coin hoard in Gaza
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jRXo1fCXa2CmsXDPI_VJTdvsYaQw

Remains found in Carmel Valley are 3,000-year-old Native American woman
http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_14178626

Vandalism discovered at rock art site near Yuma
http://www.kgun9.com/Global/story.asp?S=11812292

Seahenge set to be complete for the first time in 10 years
http://www.edp24.co.uk/content/edp24/news/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=News&tBrand=EDPOnline&tCategory=xDefault&itemid=NOED11%20Jan%202010%2017%3A07%3A18%3A290

Syria: Important Archaeological Findings in the Ancient Palmyra
http://www.english.globalarabnetwork.com/201001124343/Travel/syria-important-archaeological-findings-in-the-ancient-palmyra.html

Stonehenge on 'most threatened' world wonders list
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jan/12/stonehenge-threatened-wonder-of-world

Jordan demands return of Dead Sea Scrolls 'seized' by Israel
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1142376.html

Medieval defences found at Edinburgh Castle 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8461062.stm

Salisbury Cathedral experts uncover hidden gothic text 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/wiltshire/8462204.stm

Crew studies whether 1539 etching on Phoenix South Mountain is real
http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2010/01/15/20100115History0115.html

Gold treasure, ancient tombs and mediaeval walls
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2010/981/he1.htm

Ancient coins and artefacts found in Terengganu’s Chinatown worksite
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/13/nation/5462153&sec=nation

Mound of Ash Reveals Shrine to Zeus
http://news.discovery.com/archaeology/zeus-altar-shrine-greek-gods.html

Carnarvon Castle Reveals Treasures- Video
http://news.discovery.com/videos/news-carnarvon-castle-reveals-treasures.html

Egyptology

Egyptian Eyeliner May Have Warded Off Disease
http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2010/108/1

Tombs Reveal More On Egypt's Middle Class
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1805193/tombs_reveal_more_on_egypts_middle_class/index.html

Egypt tombs suggest pyramids not built by slaves
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100110/sc_nm/us_egypt_antiquities_tombs

Sailing into antiquity
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2010/01/11/boston_university_archeologists_digs_uncover_clues_to_egyptian_mariners/

Mystery surrounds US museum's Egyptian mummy
http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=588&art_id=nw20100114132437962C495848

General Science

Dr James's brain communication
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/article6982365.ece

No Needle in a Haystack Too Small for DARPA's Dream Goggles
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-01/no-needle-haystack-too-small-darpas-dream-goggles

Israeli Robots Remake Battlefield
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126325146524725387.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLETopStories

The Laser Turns 50: A Birthday Bash
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122620050

Physics, Earth and Space Sciences

No, a nearby supernova won’t wipe us out
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2010/01/07/no-a-nearby-supernova-wont-wipe-us-out/

Hubble-hugging’ astronaut leaves NASA
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34775164/ns/technology_and_science-space/

Arthur C. Clarke's ‘2010’ still beyond reality
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34768602/ns/technology_and_science-space/

Nuclear Energy on the Moon
http://news.discovery.com/tech/nuclear-power-moon.html

Escape Pods: Rescue and Survival in Space
http://news.discovery.com/space/escape-pods-rescue-and-survival-in-space.html

Astronomers spot 'super-Earth' 80 light years away
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100108/ts_alt_afp/usastronomyspace_20100108201129

Solar system may be more compact than thought
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18345-solar-system-may-be-more-compact-than-thought.html

Private Space on Pace to Run NASA's Space Supply
http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/air_space/4341617.html

The Top 4 Sites to Land on Mars and Their Biggest Mysteries
http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/air_space/4341486.html

NASA Scientists Classify the Time Before Earth Existed: the Chaotian Era
http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-01/new-timescale-breaksdown-formation-solar-system

Pulsars Could Provide "Galactic GPS" for Detecting Gravitational Waves
http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-01/pulsars-could-provide-galactic-gps-detecting-gravitational-waves

Quantum Computer Measures Energy in Molecular Hydrogen
http://www.physorg.com/news182181821.html

Jan. 8, 1942: Birthday of a First-Rate Mind, and a Medical Marvel
http://www.wired.com/thisdayintech/2010/01/jan-8-1942-birthday-of-a-first-rate-mind-and-a-medical-marvel

Chinese Coal Formed During Earth’s Greatest Extinction Is Still Deadly
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/01/nasty-coal/

Life on Mars, continued
http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2010/01/11/2169791.aspx

Fla. airport gets OK for spaceport license
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34813096/ns/technology_and_science-space/

As The Crust Turns: Cassini Data Show Enceladus in Motion
http://www.physorg.com/news182448842.html

Crystal mountains speak of moon's molten past
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20527424.800-crystal-mountains-speak-of-moons-molten-past.html

India Developing 'Kill Vehicle' to Knock Enemy Satellites Out of the Sky
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-01/india-developing-kill-vehicle-knock-enemy-satellites-out-sky

New Commercial Rocket Passes Final Engine Test
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/spacex-rocket-test-100107.html

NASA moves forward with Mars exploration plan
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/01/11/mars.exploration/index.html

2010 AL30: Asteroid or Space Junk? (Updated)
http://news.discovery.com/space/the-2010-al30-an-asteroid-or-man-made-object.html

Africa and Asia are in for a cosmic ring of fire
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34850839/ns/technology_and_science-space/

Strange Mars photo includes ‘tree’ illusion
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34849525/ns/technology_and_science-space/

Alien planet’s spectral signature detected
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34845772/ns/technology_and_science-space/

Robotic Arm on Space Station Will Try Refueling a Satellite
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-01/robotic-arm-space-station-could-try-refueling-satellite

Inside Sofia, NASA's Airplane-Mounted Telescope
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-01/inside-sofia-nasas-airplane-mounted-telescope

Proof of Life in Three Martian Rocks May Come This Year
http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-01/proof-life-three-martian-rocks-may-come-year

Space station needs 'extension to 2020' 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8456632.stm

Nasa check for 'unlikely' survival of Mars lander 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8454949.stm

Proof of life on Mars will come by year-end: NASA expert
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/Proof-of-life-on-Mars-will-come-by-year-end-NASA-expert-/articleshow/5452627.cms

Did missile test spark Chinese UFO reports?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34886772/ns/technology_and_science-space/

Mystery Behind Solar System's Giant Ribbon Solved?
http://news.discovery.com/space/mystery-behind-solar-systems-giant-ribbon-solved.html

Diamond Oceans Possible on Uranus, Neptune
http://news.discovery.com/space/diamond-oceans-jupiter-uranus.html

Radio pulses from pulsar appear to move faster than light
http://www.physorg.com/news182671620.html

Across the multiverse: FSU physicist considers the big picture
http://www.physorg.com/news182537257.html

Flooding rains bring rare waterfalls to Australia's Uluru
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100116/wl_asia_afp/australiatourismenvironmentuluru_20100116075327

NASA Awards Contract for a Methane-Powered Balloon to Explore Saturn's Moon
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-01/hot-air-balloon-could-maneuver-better-saturns-methane-shrouded-moon

A Cannon for Shooting Supplies into Space
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-01/cannon-shooting-supplies-space

Environment, Climate Change and Alternative Energy Sources

Paper strips can quickly detect toxin in drinking water
http://www.physorg.com/news182186839.html

Japanese scientists invent printable lithium battery
http://www.physorg.com/news182149697.html

Why Antarctica isn't melting much – yet
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18364-why-antarctica-isnt-melting-much--yet.html

2,400-Foot-Tall Solar Turbines To Power Arizona
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-01/2400-foot-tall-solar-turbines-power-arizona

Solar-powered rooftop batteries to electrify homes
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/Solar-powered-rooftop-batteries-to-electrify-homes/articleshow/5430499.cms

Debate heats up over IPCC melting glaciers claim
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18363-debate-heats-up-over-ipcc-melting-glaciers-claim.html

Artificial leaf could make green hydrogen
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20527426.700-artificial-leaf-could-make-green-hydrogen.html

Climate conditions in 2050 crucial to avoid harmful impacts in 2100
http://www.physorg.com/news182443551.html

How 4 Climate Control Plans Could Crash and Burn
http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/earth/4342355.html

Radical sea defence rethink urged
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8460089.stm

Solar cells made through oil-and-water 'self-assembly' 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8452912.stm

Electric car road test planned for Quebec
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100115/sc_nm/us_electriccars

Biological, Genetics and Medical Sciences

Viral phenomenon: Ancient microbe invaded human DNA
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100106/hl_afp/sciencebiotechgenomevirus_20100106184124

Killer Whales Splitting into Two Species?
http://news.discovery.com/earth/killer-whales-splitting-into-two-species.html

Our brains are confused about time
http://www.physorg.com/news182150744.html

Using Nanotechnology to Boost the Lifespan of Medical Implants
http://www.physorg.com/news182184285.html

Researchers discover molecular security system that protects cells from potentially harmful DNA
http://www.physorg.com/news182326141.html

Embryo genetic screening controversial - and successful
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/columnist/vergano/2010-01-10-embryo-genetic-screening_N.htm

Synthetic Alcohol Gives Drinkers a Buzz Minus the Hangover, Addiction
http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-01/synthetic-alcohol-gives-drinkers-pleasant-buzz-without-hangover-addiction

Nevada Judge Throws Out 'Personhood' Initiative
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122377040

"Wet Computer" Literally Simulates Brain Cells
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-01/wet-computer-literally-simultes-brain-cells

Surprising Sea Slug Is Half-plant, Half-animal
http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20100112/sc_livescience/surprisingseaslugishalfplanthalfanimal

Human Male: Still A Work In Progress
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/01/human_male_still_a_work_in_pro.html

"Dinosaur-Sized Shark" Kills Tourist
http://news.discovery.com/animals/dinosaur-sized-shark-kills-tourist.html

Unlocking the mystery of the duck-billed platypus' venom
http://www.physorg.com/news182621522.html

Nonprofit, company team up for 'artificial pancreas'
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100113/sc_nm/us_diabetes_pancreas

MIT Engineers Mice With More Human-Like Immune Systems For Better Vaccine Testing 
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-01/mit-engineers-suite-human-immune-cells-mice-first-time

Is There A Biological Basis For Race?
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122620064

Scientists turn stem cells into pork
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100115/ap_on_he_me/eu_med_petri_pork

Other

Pi calculation smashes records
http://www.physorg.com/news182067503.html

Respect for elders 'may be universal' in primates
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18347-respect-for-elders-may-be-universal-in-primates.html

“Golden ratio” hints at hidden atomic symmetry
http://www.world-science.net/othernews/100107_goldenratio.htm

Smithsonian reports 20% jump in museum visitors
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2010-01-05-smithsonian-visitors_N.htm

Did aliens help to line up Woolworths stores?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/jan/16/ben-goldacre-bad-science-aliens-woolworths

Futurists predict fewer butchers, more space pilots – and spare legs for top football stars
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/jan/14/futurists-predict-radical-job-changes

Additional Informational

Sunk Australia WWII hospital ship Centaur: first images 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8450511.stm

Tracking East African Cattle Herders from Prehistory to the Present
http://penn.museum/documents/publications/expedition/PDFs/51-3/ryan.pdf

Frankenhuman! 9 Lab Animals That Add Up to 1 Person (Photo Gallery)
http://discovermagazine.com/photos/frankenhuman-9-lab-animals-add-up-to-1-person/

Are these artifacts fake or not?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34771371/ns/technology_and_science-science

7 ghoulish archaeological discoveries
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33537628/ns/technology_and_science-science

"Frankenfoods" That Could Feed the World (Photo Gallery)
http://discovermagazine.com/photos/07-frankenfoods-that-could-feed-the-world

Five Canceled NASA Missions
http://news.discovery.com/space/canceled-nasa-space-missions.html

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