Articles for author: Jan Otte

There’s a New T. Rex in Town—and It Swims

A Fierce New T. Rex Rules Ancient Seas

Jan Otte

There’s a New T. Rex in Town – and It Swims – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Flickr) Eighty million years ago, a vast inland sea divided North America and teemed with marine life. Among its top predators lurked a newly identified species of mosasaur now formally named Tylosaurus rex. Researchers uncovered the ...

How the Great Pyramid of Giza has survived 4,500 years of Egyptian earthquakes

Enduring the Tremors: The Great Pyramid of Giza’s 4,500-Year Resilience

Jan Otte

How the Great Pyramid of Giza has survived 4,500 years of Egyptian earthquakes – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash) The Great Pyramid of Giza has stood for more than 4,500 years as one of the most enduring structures ever built. Earthquakes have repeatedly tested the monument and the surrounding region, yet its ...

Cosmic crystal ball reveals an ancient dying star | Space photo of the day for May 22, 2026

Gemini North Unveils Crystal Ball Nebula Secrets

Jan Otte

Cosmic crystal ball reveals an ancient dying star | Space photo of the day for May 22, 2026 – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash) Astronomers have released a fresh view of NGC 1514, a planetary nebula in Taurus that marks the final chapter for a star similar to the Sun. The image, ...

Scientists discover a strange hidden state in “sandwich” molecules

Double Ring-Slip State Found in Metallocenes

Jan Otte

Scientists discover a strange hidden state in “sandwich” molecules – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash) Researchers have identified a fleeting intermediate that forms during the assembly of metallocenes, the sandwich-shaped molecules central to many catalytic and medical applications. The structure involves a rare double ring-slip, in which both carbon rings loosen their ...

Scientists thought Jupiter's moon Europa was ejecting water. Now they're not so sure

Reanalysis Weakens Case for Europa Water Plumes

Jan Otte

Scientists thought Jupiter’s moon Europa was ejecting water. Now they’re not so sure – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash) Hubble Space Telescope observations from more than a decade ago once pointed to faint water vapor rising from Jupiter’s icy moon Europa. Those signals were interpreted as evidence of intermittent plumes linked to ...

Can AI really simulate human thinking? Research casts doubt on an influential study, suggesting an advanced model was just really good at memorizing patterns.

Counter Research Questions How Deeply AI Models Grasp Human Decision-Making

Jan Otte

Can AI really simulate human thinking? Research casts doubt on an influential study, suggesting an advanced model was just really good at memorizing patterns. – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash) Interest in artificial intelligence systems that appear to forecast how people will act has grown steadily in recent years. One model in ...

Image of dna strand spinning and data processing over computer servers. Global computing, science and data processing concept digitally generated image.

How Genes Influence Animal Behaviors

Jan Otte

Animal behavior is a fascinating field that offers insights into how organisms interact with their environment, each other, and themselves. While external factors such as environment and experience play vital roles, genetics also significantly guide many behaviors observed in the animal kingdom. Understanding how genes influence animal behaviors can provide insights into both evolution and ...

Lioness relaxing in a tree.

How New Species Are Identified and Named

Jan Otte

The discovery of new species is an exciting and integral part of biological science. Each new species not only enriches our understanding of biodiversity but also provides insights into ecosystems, evolution, and the adaptability of life. But how are these species identified and named? This article delves into the meticulous process behind the identification and ...

Consciousness May Be a Fundamental Force of the Universe, Not a Byproduct

Consciousness May Be a Fundamental Force of the Universe, Not a Byproduct

Jan Otte

You’ve probably grown up accepting that your thoughts, feelings, and inner awareness all emerge from the firing of neurons in your brain. It’s what science has taught us for decades. Your consciousness is simply what happens when billions of brain cells communicate. Simple enough, right? What if you’ve been looking at this backwards the whole ...

10 Urban Wildlife Species Adapting to Human Habitats

Jan Otte

The dynamic landscape of urban areas has led to a unique coexistence between humans and wildlife. As cities expand, some animal species have demonstrated remarkable adaptability, thriving in environments altered by human activity. This article explores ten urban wildlife species that have adapted to human habitats, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of nature. City-Slicker Raccoons ...