Dating Methods – Page 64

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Earth's Magnetic Field Less Sustainable than Thought

May 17, 2012

Geophysicists have found that their favored dynamo theory for Earth's magnetic field is less stable than thought, leaving them wondering how our planet sustained its magnetic field for "geologic time."

Dating Methods

Rapid Undersea Geology Observed

May 14, 2012

An undersea volcano near the Cook Islands was observed to grow and shrink rapidly in a fortnight, rivaling the rapid changes in Vesuvius and Mt. St. Helens.

Bible and Theology

Noah's Ark Claim Not Trustworthy

May 13, 2012

A creationist group in Hong Kong is releasing a dramatic documentary filled with fantastic claims about the discovery of Noah's Ark on Mt. Ararat. Other prominent creationists are warning of fraud and scientific malpractice.

Dating Methods

Best Cave Art Is Still the Oldest

May 9, 2012

A new research study confirms that the exquisite cave art at Chauvet Cave is the oldest.

Darwin and Evolution

Coelacanth: Survival of the Dullest

May 5, 2012

A new fossil species of coelacanth was discovered in Canada. Scientists think from its tail fin shape that it was a fast swimmer–perhaps a hunter. Sadly, it was a "spectacular failure" in evolution. The luck of the evolutionary draw went to today's slow-moving, docile species.

Darwin and Evolution

Earth Myths with a Sprinkling of Data

May 3, 2012

Some recent articles on dating methods show that tiny bits of data can be used to generate whoppers.

Dating Methods

Planetary Radiometric Dates 1/3 Younger

May 1, 2012

The half-lives of radioactive isotopes may not be as well-known as thought. One decay rate frequently used to date solar system objects had to be adjusted down to 66% of its former assumed value, impacting theories of planet formation.

Astronomy

Planet Theories vs. the Evidence

April 26, 2012

Planet theorists are putting up a valiant fight against new findings, but in some cases, the evidence seems to be winning.

Dating Methods

Paradigm Shift: Impact Didn't Kill Dinosaurs

April 24, 2012

A new study casts doubt on whether asteroid impacts led to extinctions. It's based on re-interpreting geological evidence used to identify impacts. This finding, if sustained, would undermine the theory that an impact killed off the dinosaurs and a later impact led to the extinction of many large mammals. Even more significant, an overturn of the impact hypothesis would illustrate that scientists are capable of going off on wrong tangents for decades.

Astronomy

Saturn Moons Continue to Shine

April 23, 2012

Saturn just passed opposition on April 15, making it a good viewing object from Earth this season. Amateur observers with telescopes may be able to make out the moons Titan, Rhea, Dione, Iapetus, Tethys, and Enceladus. They may look like beautiful little gems from Earth, but from the Cassini spacecraft in orbit at Saturn, they are no less than astonishing. Recent observations of these moons add to the astonishment.

Biology

Is This Plant Really 30,000 Years Old?

February 20, 2012

A plant said to be 30,000 years old has been brought to life in Russia. A team resurrected a fruit from a rodent burrow in Siberian permafrost, getting it to grow into a whole plant that produces viable seeds. This is now the oldest age claim, by an order of magnitude, for plant material made to live again. Other scientists are startled that plant material could remain viable for so long, since cells have to repair their DNA continually. Other botany news bring different problems to evolutionary theory.

Biology

Dinosaurs Display Death in Watery Grave

February 16, 2012

Many dinosaur fossils show the animals with neck arched backward. This appearance is so common, it has been dubbed the "dinosaur death pose." Various theories have been invoked to explain it: dessication and final death throes among the most common. A study with chickens shows the arching neck is the automatic response of immersion in water.

Darwin and Evolution

More Reasons to Doubt Scientific Pronouncements

February 11, 2012

It’s unsettling to hear scientists say that long-held beliefs might be wrong, but that’s the nature of science. Scientific “findings” are tentative, not absolute. Some see this as a strength of science, but unless actual progress is demonstrated, that strength is called into question. Recent news casts doubt on various scientific methods and beliefs that had been trusted for a long time.

Astronomy

Lunar Upsets Challenge Paradigms

January 27, 2012

Forty years after the last moonwalkers came home, new discoveries about the moon are calling into question what scientists know about our celestial partner. But is it legitimate for scientists to invoke mystery forces when a favored theory faces falsifying evidence?

Dating Methods

Geologists 750% Wrong in Death Valley

January 23, 2012

A volcanic explosion in northern Death Valley occurred 800 years ago, not 6,000, “far more recently than generally thought,” according to new dating estimates. The event that created Ubehebe Crater is so recent, in fact, geologists think another devastating explosion could happen today.

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