Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for September 5, 2001


Earth's deepest secrets

Scientists have long known that Earth's core is primarily composed of iron, but the cause of seismic waves traveling faster in certain directions was unclear. Recent studies using supercomputer simulations revealed a temperature-dependent alignment of crystal structures in the inner core, shedding new light on this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateSep 5, 2001

Babies' hands move to the rhythm of language

Researchers found that babies exposed to signed language produce distinct hand movements with low-frequency rhythmic activity, indicating an innate sensitivity to linguistic patterns. This discovery suggests that parents' sing-song way of speaking and playful rhyming games can aid the language learning process.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·DateSep 5, 2001