Written by Alana Hughes, Digital Marketing Intern.
Between school, homework, practice and spending time with loved ones, it’s easy to miss out on the latest in science, technology, engineering, art and math. But don’t worry, Thinkery’s got you covered. Here are some of our favorite STEAM discoveries from the previous week. It’s fuel for your weekend.
Scientists just discovered a new (and incredibly unique looking) species of dinosaur! The newly discovered Halszkaraptor has the characteristics of a raptor, a swan and a duck. When scientists first discovered this new fossil, they assumed it had to be a fake but were surprised to find that it was real. The creature has long velociraptor-like claws, penguin-like flippers, a duck-like snout filled with small sharp teeth, a long swan-like neck and strong hind legs. These suggest that the dinosaur was capable of swimming and hunting fish as well as walking and running on land. Click here to learn more about this strange new creature!
The Art and Science of Ernst Haeckel is a new book that highlights the intricate visual works of German biologist Ernst Haeckel. Haeckel was a 19th century artist and biologist who spent his life studying the flora and fauna of the land and the ocean. To explain and document his discoveries, he created hundreds of drawings, watercolors and sketches that he published in multiple volumes throughout his lifetime. His incredibly detailed and precise drawings demonstrate the beauty and order of nature and evolution. The book includes 450 of Haeckel’s best works and celebrates both his great artistic and scientific contributions to biology. Click here to learn more about this awesome book!
Did you know that the Earth hums? Even though we can’t hear it, our planet’s vibration, or “free oscillations,” cause a persistent humming. Though scientists have known about the Earth’s hum since 1959, a recent study has found that the vibration originates from the bottom of the ocean. By analyzing data from seismographs in the Indian Ocean and removing interfering sounds, scientists were able to “hear” the Earth’s frequencies. These vibrations are nearly silent, with a frequency 10,000 times lower than what humans can hear. Scientists say that this hum is caused by the pounding of ocean waves and others say that atmospheric turbulence and wind motions are also contributors. Click here to learn more about the Earth’s mysterious hum!