ZME Science

ZME Science https://www.zmescience.com/ Enriching Science Journalism Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:14:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://cdn.zmescience.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cropped-logo-zmescience-32x32.png ZME Science https://www.zmescience.com/ 32 32 Stonehenge’s Altar Stone May Have Traveled Partway on a Glacier from Scotland Before People Took Over https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/stonehenge-altar-stone-scotland-origin/ https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/stonehenge-altar-stone-scotland-origin/#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:14:28 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=308679 Stonehenge ancient monument under cloudy sky at sunset.

Stonehenge ancient monument under cloudy sky at sunset.

A glacier may have shortened the journey, but humans still moved the six-ton stone in place.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/stonehenge-altar-stone-scotland-origin/feed/ 0 Huge 1.5-Million-Year-Old Footprints Suggest a Human Cousin Nicknamed Nutcracker Man Was Far Bigger Than We Thought https://www.zmescience.com/science/paleontology/large-footprints-kenya-shore/ https://www.zmescience.com/science/paleontology/large-footprints-kenya-shore/#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:28:06 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=308697 Fossil embedded in sedimentary rock with measurement tools nearby.

Fossil embedded in sedimentary rock with measurement tools nearby.

The tracks suggest Paranthropus boisei grew surprisingly large and traveled in male groups.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/science/paleontology/large-footprints-kenya-shore/feed/ 0 Hannibal’s Elephants May Reveal Which Route His Army Took Across the Alps https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/hannibals-elephants-may-reveal-which-route-his-army-took-across-the-alps/ https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/hannibals-elephants-may-reveal-which-route-his-army-took-across-the-alps/#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:05:34 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=308656 Historical battle scene with war elephants and soldiers in mountainous terrain.

Historical battle scene with war elephants and soldiers in mountainous terrain.

The animals’ energy needs favor a higher but shorter route into Italy.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/hannibals-elephants-may-reveal-which-route-his-army-took-across-the-alps/feed/ 0 The Dinosaurs May Have Had Only Hours Before Extinction After the Asteroid Struck and Turned the Planet into a Global Furnace https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/dinosaur-extinction-within-hours/ https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/dinosaur-extinction-within-hours/#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:59:41 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=308650

New research suggests fine dust trapped heat from falling debris, producing a deadly pulse that could have ignited forests around the world.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/dinosaur-extinction-within-hours/feed/ 0 Archaeologists Used Lasers to Find a Vast Engineered World Beneath the Amazon https://www.zmescience.com/science/archaeology/archaeologists-used-laser-to-find-a-vast-engineered-world-beneath-the-amazon/ https://www.zmescience.com/science/archaeology/archaeologists-used-laser-to-find-a-vast-engineered-world-beneath-the-amazon/#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:11:49 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=308648 Aerial view of farmland and forested areas in a rural landscape.

Aerial view of farmland and forested areas in a rural landscape.

Aerial imaging has detected 432 earthworks in southwestern Amazonia.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/science/archaeology/archaeologists-used-laser-to-find-a-vast-engineered-world-beneath-the-amazon/feed/ 0 After Centuries of Research, Betelgeuse Turns Out to Be Two Stars, Not One https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/after-centuries-of-research-betelgeuse-turns-out-to-be-two-stars-not-one/ https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/after-centuries-of-research-betelgeuse-turns-out-to-be-two-stars-not-one/#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:52:56 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=308665

The companion is hotter, brighter and more massive than astronomers expected.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/after-centuries-of-research-betelgeuse-turns-out-to-be-two-stars-not-one/feed/ 0 Thousands of Satellites Could Become a Giant Warning System for Solar Storms https://www.zmescience.com/feature-post/pieces/thousands-of-satellites-could-become-a-giant-warning-system-for-solar-storms/ https://www.zmescience.com/feature-post/pieces/thousands-of-satellites-could-become-a-giant-warning-system-for-solar-storms/#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:37:49 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=308194

A UCL researcher is teaching orbital debris to reveal when Earth’s upper atmosphere swells.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/feature-post/pieces/thousands-of-satellites-could-become-a-giant-warning-system-for-solar-storms/feed/ 0 These Revolutionary Maps Are Revealing Earth’s Geological Secrets https://www.zmescience.com/science/new-tectonic-modelling-open-source-limits-rep/ https://www.zmescience.com/science/new-tectonic-modelling-open-source-limits-rep/#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2026 14:03:07 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=218824 1. Tectonic plates and geological provinces map showing Earth's crust and tectonic zones.

1. Tectonic plates and geological provinces map showing Earth's crust and tectonic zones.

Plate boundaries are often sprawling zones of deformation rather than clean lines.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/science/new-tectonic-modelling-open-source-limits-rep/feed/ 0 This Is What Antarctica Would Look Like Without All Its Ice https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/map-antarctica-without-ice-2/ https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/map-antarctica-without-ice-2/#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:12:00 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=279657 1. Topographical map of Antarctica showing ice sheets and elevation changes for climate science insights.

1. Topographical map of Antarctica showing ice sheets and elevation changes for climate science insights.

Antarctica's most detailed map exposes its vulnerable future.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/map-antarctica-without-ice-2/feed/ 0 Amazing “Viking” treasure featuring gold, silver, and a vase from Iran may not be Viking at all https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/viking-iran-treasure-gold-galloway-not-viking-rep/ https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/viking-iran-treasure-gold-galloway-not-viking-rep/#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:00:16 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=271091 Ancient ceramic vessel with decorative patterns and signs of age and damage.

Ancient ceramic vessel with decorative patterns and signs of age and damage.

A decoy treasure hidden beneath a Viking treasure is stunning archaeologists.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/viking-iran-treasure-gold-galloway-not-viking-rep/feed/ 0 Another Reason to Ditch Gas Stoves: They Seem to Worsen Asthma https://www.zmescience.com/science/domestic-science/another-reason-to-ditch-gas-stoves-they-seem-to-worsen-asthma/ https://www.zmescience.com/science/domestic-science/another-reason-to-ditch-gas-stoves-they-seem-to-worsen-asthma/#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:51:31 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=308636 Close-up of a gas stove burner with blue flame in a kitchen setting.

Close-up of a gas stove burner with blue flame in a kitchen setting.

Removing gas stoves was comparable to a proper medical treatment.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/science/domestic-science/another-reason-to-ditch-gas-stoves-they-seem-to-worsen-asthma/feed/ 0 World’s Largest Crocodiles Use the Ocean to Surf Between Islands https://www.zmescience.com/feature-post/natural-sciences/animals/reptiles/worlds-largest-crocodiles-use-the-ocean-to-surf-between-islands/ https://www.zmescience.com/feature-post/natural-sciences/animals/reptiles/worlds-largest-crocodiles-use-the-ocean-to-surf-between-islands/#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:19:45 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=308609 Close-up of a crocodile swimming in water with visible snout and eyes.

Close-up of a crocodile swimming in water with visible snout and eyes.

Saltwater crocodiles rewrote the map of reptile migration.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/feature-post/natural-sciences/animals/reptiles/worlds-largest-crocodiles-use-the-ocean-to-surf-between-islands/feed/ 0 This Volcano in Antarctica Is Spewing out $6,000 Worth of Gold Dust Per Day — But You Can’t Go Get It https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/erebus-volcano-antarctica-gold-rep/ https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/erebus-volcano-antarctica-gold-rep/#respond Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:16:22 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=262322 Volcanic eruption on snow-covered mountain landscape with ash plume and icy surroundings.

Volcanic eruption on snow-covered mountain landscape with ash plume and icy surroundings.

Even if you could get there, you're not getting that gold.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/erebus-volcano-antarctica-gold-rep/feed/ 0 Baby T-Rexes Were Cat-Sized and Already Ready to Hunt https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/baby-t-rexes-were-cat-sized-and-already-ready-to-hunt/ https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/baby-t-rexes-were-cat-sized-and-already-ready-to-hunt/#respond Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:09:33 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=308591 Illustration of a dinosaur in a prehistoric forest environment.

Illustration of a dinosaur in a prehistoric forest environment.

T. rex babies may have left the nest relatively soon after hatching]]> https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/baby-t-rexes-were-cat-sized-and-already-ready-to-hunt/feed/ 0 How much of human intelligence is genetic versus acquired? Is it even possible to get smarter? https://www.zmescience.com/feature-post/health/mind-brain/intelligence-nature-vs-nurture-rep/ https://www.zmescience.com/feature-post/health/mind-brain/intelligence-nature-vs-nurture-rep/#respond Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:14:52 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=256481

Intelligence, a blend of genetics and environment, centers on problem-solving abilities and is best enhanced through learning and formal education.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/feature-post/health/mind-brain/intelligence-nature-vs-nurture-rep/feed/ 0 Why Medieval Men Were Obsessed With Ridiculously Long Pointy Shoes https://www.zmescience.com/feature-post/history-and-humanities/history/medieval-pointy-shoes/ https://www.zmescience.com/feature-post/history-and-humanities/history/medieval-pointy-shoes/#respond Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:03:01 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=308581 Colorful folk art depicting people walking on stilts in traditional attire.

Colorful folk art depicting people walking on stilts in traditional attire.

The fashionable poulaines were meant to send a simple message: "I have money, I follow the court, I do not labor with my hands"]]> https://www.zmescience.com/feature-post/history-and-humanities/history/medieval-pointy-shoes/feed/ 0 How the Naked Mole Rat Queen Uses a Secret Scent to Prevent a Violent Coup https://www.zmescience.com/ecology/animals-ecology/naked-mole-rat-queen-scent/ https://www.zmescience.com/ecology/animals-ecology/naked-mole-rat-queen-scent/#respond Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:00:43 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=308431 Close-up of a person holding a baby rat with prominent teeth.

Close-up of a person holding a baby rat with prominent teeth.

One oily molecule may keep an underground mammal society from erupting.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/ecology/animals-ecology/naked-mole-rat-queen-scent/feed/ 0 The World’s Tallest Timber Tower Rising Over Sydney Is Nearly Twice as High as the Previous Record Holder https://www.zmescience.com/future/tallest-timber-building-2/ https://www.zmescience.com/future/tallest-timber-building-2/#respond Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:46:41 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=308571 Sydney skyline with skyscrapers and construction site in the foreground.

Sydney skyline with skyscrapers and construction site in the foreground.

A 39-story timber skyscraper is changing what cities can build with wood.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/future/tallest-timber-building-2/feed/ 0 Scientists Made a Memory Device That Needs Just One Electron https://www.zmescience.com/future/scientists-made-a-memory-device-that-needs-just-one-electron/ https://www.zmescience.com/future/scientists-made-a-memory-device-that-needs-just-one-electron/#respond Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:20:07 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=308543 Quantum computing device with transparent and gold components.

Quantum computing device with transparent and gold components.

A room-temperature device pushes electronic storage to its smallest possible unit.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/future/scientists-made-a-memory-device-that-needs-just-one-electron/feed/ 0 Origin of Human Eyes Traced to 560-Million-Year-Old One-Eyed ‘Cyclops’ https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/origin-of-human-eyes-traced-to-560-million-year-old-one-eyed-cyclops/ https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/origin-of-human-eyes-traced-to-560-million-year-old-one-eyed-cyclops/#respond Mon, 27 Jul 2026 18:41:24 +0000 https://www.zmescience.com/?p=308549 Close-up of a spiny, armored octopus with textured skin and prominent spikes.

Close-up of a spiny, armored octopus with textured skin and prominent spikes.

Before vertebrates had two eyes, their ancestors may have looked upward with one.]]> https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/origin-of-human-eyes-traced-to-560-million-year-old-one-eyed-cyclops/feed/ 0