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Science News for February 16, 2020


The dinosaur in the cupboard under the stairs

Researchers discovered that the dinosaur footprints on a cave ceiling were made by two plant-eating dinosaurs that walked bipedally along an ancient lake shore. The discovery was made possible by access to high-resolution photographs and detailed notebooks of the tracks, which had been stored in a Sydney cupboard under the stairs.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalHistorical Biology·DateFeb 16, 2020

Our digital afterlife

Social media pages can become memorials when someone dies, but digital ownership and access are unclear. Faheem Hussain explores these issues in his research, highlighting the need for global solutions to ensure data management is inclusive and secure.

Environmental solutions to go global

A new Australian technology developed by Flinders University and Clean Earth Technologies can absorb pollutants, including mercury and oil spills. The solution uses a polymer made from sulfur and plant oil to capture toxic substances in water, reducing environmental harm.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems·DateFeb 16, 2020

Old Irish 'clachan' found in South Australia

A team of archaeologists has discovered the oldest known Australian example of a communal type of Irish settlement, uncovering a large and vibrant clachan settlement hidden beneath an empty farm paddock. The discovery highlights the sustainable way of life maintained by over 500 Irish migrants who created a community in marginal land.

SourceFlinders University·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2020