#Inferring the temperature structure of circumstellar disks from polarized emission

“#Inferring the temperature structure of circumstellar disks from polarized emission” An ALMA submiilimeter image of the dusty circumstellar disc around a young star. Astronomers are using ALMA polarization maps of the radiation from discs simialr to this one to infer the presence of a temperature gradient, and infer possible accretion onto the disc. (The asterisk…

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#Non-tobacco plant identified in ancient pipe for first time

“#Non-tobacco plant identified in ancient pipe for first time” Replica pipes used to experimentally “smoke” tobacco and other native plants in WSU laboratories for the study. The charred residue is then extracted, chemically “fingerprinted”, and compared to residue of ancient archaeological pipes. Credit: WSU People in what is now Washington State were smoking Rhus glabra,…

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#Pantera leo’s family tree takes shape

“#Pantera leo’s family tree takes shape” Historically the maximum prevalence of lion caves. (P. leo spelaea), the American lion (P. leo atrox) and todays lions P. leo leo. Credit: Mitogenomics of the Extinct Cave Lion. http://doi.org/10.5334/oq.24 As the “king of beasts,” majestic lions have been used as a symbol of courage, nobility and strength by…

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