Our Times: October 2006

More living than fossil

The coelacanth is a unique fish. Two of their characteristics do not exist in any other living vertebrate— the presence of an electrosensory system in the nose and a “hinge” in the skull that allows the front of the skull to swing upward, enlarging the open mouth. Before being first sighted alive in 1938, the fossils of this fish were dated at 65 million years old!

Lost and found

On a recent expedition to New Guinea's Foja Mountains, researchers discovered numerous new and “lost” species. They rediscovered the legendary Berlepsch's Six-wired Bird of Paradise. The bird was first described in 1897 by German ornithologist Otto Kleinschmidt. This is the first time scientists have photographed it. Among the new animal species the team found are a honeyeater bird, 20 frogs and four butterflies.

An ordered universe

Astronomers have observational evidence that galaxies are not oriented randomly, but in a pattern that accords with the web of dark matter that surrounds them. A galaxy formed in the form of a double helix— like a DNA strand—has also been discovered.

Making memories last

Whether tested in animals or humans, studies have shown that sense memories— such as learning a certain sequence of dance steps—and declarative memories—such as a sequence of facts—benefit from slumber. Napping during study or training provides an effective memory boost.