Science Wrap: New dinosaur found in Spain, Nobel Prizes, and ancient footprints in New Mexico

This week's science news is brimming with remarkable discoveries and breakthroughs that could have a profound impact on human life.

We explore a remarkable new dinosaur revelation from Spain, celebrate the achievements of Nobel Prize laureates, and unravel the mysteries of ancient footprints discovered in the sands of New Mexico.

Here's a closer look at some of the top science news of the week:

Ancient footprints in New Mexico

Two years ago, controversy erupted over ancient human footprints in White Sands National Park, New Mexico, when scientists dated them to approximately 22,000 years ago. Now, two additional dating methods for these fossilized tracks corroborate the initial estimate, potentially resolving the dispute.

In 2021, scientists uncovered over 60 footprints preserved in ancient mud near a former New Mexico lake. By dating seeds of aquatic plants near these prints across various rock layers, they estimated human presence in the area to be around 23,000 to 21,000 years ago.

This discovery challenges the prevailing belief that the initial North American settlers arrived via a Siberian land bridge around 16,000 to 14,000 years ago. Kathleen Springer, a geologist at the USGS's Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center and a coauthor, emphasises that there is much more to learn about these footprints.

This discovery challenges the prevailing belief that the initial North American settlers arrived via a Siberian land bridge around 16,000 to 14,000 years ago. Kathleen Springer, a geologist at the USGS's Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center and a coauthor, emphasizes that there is much more to learn about these footprints.

Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry and Medicine

Three scientists have been awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking work involving 'quantum dots,' as announced by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences on October 4.

The three scientists who were involved in this project were:

• Moungi Bawendi (Chemist), 
• Louis Brus (Chemist), 
• and Alexei Ekimov (Physicist) 

Apart from Chemistry, here are the other Nobel winners for science. 

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to:

• Pierre Agostini,
• Ferenc Krausz,
• and Anne L’Huillier

These Physicists have recieved one of the most prestigious prize for their groundbreaking work in creating attosecond light pulses to study matter's electrodynamics. 

On the other hand, the 2023 Nobel Prize for medicine went to:

• Katalin Karikó
• Drew Weissman

The two of them were honored for their breakthroughs in nucleoside base modifications, which paved the way for the successful development of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.

 

Dutch researcher predicts earthquake

On October 3, 2023, Dutch researcher Frank Hoogerbeets, affiliated with the Solar System Geometry Survey (SSGEOS), hinted at a potential significant earthquake in Pakistan within 48 hours. Since Hoogerbeets' claim, the internet has been buzzing with speculation about earthquake prediction and its potential for damage prevention.

• Hoogerbeets previously predicted earthquakes in Turkey and Syria in February, and his track record lends weight to his bold assertion.
• Three days later, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey, further fueling interest in his predictions.

• Shortly after his latest prediction, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal and parts of India, intensifying speculation due to their proximity to Pakistan.

While the scientific community doubts the accuracy of such predictions, reports suggest that Pakistan is taking this seriously.

New dinosaur found in Spain

Scientists have recently unveiled a new sauropod dinosaur, dating back 122 million years, discovered in Spain's Morella municipality. This find holds significant importance in understanding dinosaur evolution.

• Named Garumbatitan, which means "giant of the Garumba," this herbivorous quadruped consumed an astonishing 30 to 40 kilograms of food daily, underscoring its enormous appetite.

• Standing at 10 meters tall, this sauropod had meter-long vertebrae and two-meter femurs, but it didn't heavily rely on its massive legs for movement in the Early Cretaceous Iberian Peninsula.

• With minimal digits on its upper limbs, it likely moved on its metacarpals, adopting a tiptoe-like gait. Its inward-inclined femur suggested wide strides during locomotion.

• This gentle giant likely inhabited estuaries nestled between mountains and roamed through expansive forests filled with large trees capable of sustaining its massive appetite.