Weekly Science Report

January 17, 2020

 
“We honor the best of who we are as a nation and seek lessons in our country’s imperfections. 
Our role is not to define for others but to inspire discovery, to question our assumptions, to
uphold our nation’s democratic principles and to challenge each other to rise above what was
and achieve the ideal of what can be.”
National Park Service
 

Introduction
 
Steve Detwiler created this publication with the support of Graham Hancock and the late John
Anthony West to share news and information on various disciplines to include but not limited to
paleontology, space sciences, genetics and archaeology.  His goal behind sharing this publication
has always been very simple, by sharing knowledge we can make our world a better place.  This
publication is Mr. Detwiler’s contribution to bring people together and share ideas and discoveries
with his fellow humans.
 
I hope you enjoy this publication and that the content challenges and inspires you!
 
The Weekly Science Report is also on social media at:
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weeklysciencerpt/
 Twitter: https://twitter.com/wklysciencerpt
 

News Articles
 
Paleontology, Evolution and Prehistoric Studies
 
A fresh look at the demise of an ancient human species over 100,000 years ago
https://phys.org/news/2019-12-fresh-demise-ancient-human-species.html
 
In death of dinosaurs, it was all about the asteroid—not volcanoes
https://phys.org/news/2020-01-death-dinosaurs-asteroidnot-volcanoes.html?
fbclid=IwAR06X2NcG6W6ASAGWbtJ23ws1BMZCtj5OY8Ja269gTUnIaOinbnyHht_Fkc
 
Neanderthals 'dived in the ocean' for shellfish
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-51128639?
fbclid=IwAR2kZ_C7p0335Qy1MWgr2Fq_wauxtNwXmcuRnzX51XJRW8aGCbgBdKeETTY
 
How Did Humans Boil Water Before the Invention of Pots?
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/01/how-did-humans-cook-before-the-invention-
of-pots/605008/
 
Study traces evolution of acoustic communication
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-01/uoa-ste011620.php
 
Human-caused biodiversity decline started millions of years ago
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-01/uog-hcb011720.php
 
 
 

History
 
Archivist and bookseller plead guilty to pilfering $8M in rare texts from Carnegie Library
https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2020/01/14/carnegie-library-book-theft/?
fbclid=IwAR3Me6DwX3Ui8HEOTave3YwHEUWzRfBuB8qdXOCTZ4YWYHWYOlDg1HJmtQ
8
 
The battle for Notre Dame
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/
2020/entertainment/notre-dame-history/?
fbclid=IwAR1rTPVmxI1cPgfqVd4Et8M6qwR
HWvpwp4uC3XHMIU3lCMUX0Sbv0zMpF5
Q&utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=s
ocial&utm_source=facebook
 
Astounded Scholars Just Found What Appears to Be a Previously Unknown Work by Albrecht
Dürer in a Church’s Gift Shop
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/durer-discovery-vienna-souvenir-shop-1750233?
utm_content=bufferbd3fe&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=new
s&fbclid=IwAR2Ex_lyrVj3YASbDZN8MH9OEbG8SZbIRKLu3r6HMAYsVXTyRPmVhv4ODX4
 
How The CIA Overthrew Iran's Democracy In 4 Days
https://www.npr.org/2019/01/31/690363402/how-the-cia-overthrew-irans-democracy-in-four-days
 
Great-great-grandson of Wounded Knee commander asks for forgiveness
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-apology-nativeamericans-idUSKBN1XI05I
 
Benedict XVI has asked Cardinal Sarah to have his name removed from the book on priestly
celibacy
https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/01/14/benedict-xvi-has-asked-cardinal-sarah-have-
his-name-removed-book-priestly-celibacy?fbclid=IwAR34V_-
WZCAiUtkd5M2IkEhiZWSPd9F8U74_OffUIKtFDm4CHYqh4EYCkEM
 
No new lead on Dresden museum jewelry heist, say German prosecutors
https://www.dw.com/en/no-new-lead-on-dresden-museum-jewelry-heist-say-german-prosecutors/a-
51953713
 
Nazi loot expert joins Louvre to investigate its wartime acquisitions
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/amp/news/emmanuelle-polack-joins-the-louvre
 
A story of genocide, survival and resilience: Blackfeet Nation remembers Baker Massacre
https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/2020/01/16/montana-blackfeet-nation-tribe-baker-
massacre-150th-anniversary/4434910002/?
utm_content=buffer1d12d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
&fbclid=IwAR3HO_HAUK5YQFddHklm4f-nAujHMbzszUocZ8krJEfUOVfDQmxvwXkwq3g
 
Picasso painting attacked at Tate Modern
https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-50956400?
fbclid=IwAR19_RG85Ndx5rRZ2bE5CbYiVYOpMig0-Y5fpbucca7WGbQO-WaAn9PbYsY
 
New plans to protect Alaska's History
https://www.ktuu.com/content/news/New-plans-to-protect-Alaskas-History-566995901.html?
fbclid=IwAR2VD3Oai_x1GZLW1jmI4a7hAqcaILy4Q197G-eUUrVzQOaxP1TadlnLZYE
 
 
Hopi Look To Tourism, Ranching For Income After Coal Power Plant Closure
https://www.npr.org/2020/01/14/795286529/hopi-look-to-tourism-ranching-for-income-after-coal-
power-plant-closure?sc=18&f=1001
 
In Rare Move, Pope Francis Appoints A Woman To A Senior Vatican Position
https://www.npr.org/2020/01/15/796648791/in-rare-move-pope-francis-appoints-a-woman-to-a-
senior-vatican-position?sc=18&f=1001
 
Lozen: The badass warrior woman you've probably never heard of
https://mashable.com/2016/01/13/wtf-history-lozen/
 
Sweeping recommendations would overhaul Maine’s Indian land claims act
https://www.centralmaine.com/2020/01/14/reports-recommends-sweeping-changes-to-1980-
settlement-act-with-maine-tribes/?
utm_content=bufferab6d0&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
 
How a Nazi-looted painting entered an Israeli museum
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/how-a-nazi-looted-painting-entered-an-israeli-museum
 
Trump’s Twitter threat to destroy Iran’s cultural sites is a historic mistake
https://theconversation.com/trumps-twitter-threat-to-destroy-irans-cultural-sites-is-a-historic-
mistake-129405
 
Remembering American saint Elizabeth Seton’s legacy and how it continues to inspire work
with immigrants
https://theconversation.com/remembering-american-saint-elizabeth-setons-legacy-and-how-it-
continues-to-inspire-work-with-immigrants-108874
 
Building a digital archive for decaying paper documents, preserving centuries of records
about enslaved people
https://theconversation.com/building-a-digital-archive-for-decaying-paper-documents-preserving-
centuries-of-records-about-enslaved-people-127684
 
Way We Were: Honoring sacred lands, remembering lives lost
https://www.parkrecord.com/news/way-we-were-honoring-sacred-lands-remembering-lives-lost/?
utm_content=buffer50760&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
 
Navy Aircraft Carrier to Be Named for Black Pearl Harbor Veteran
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/18/us/doris-miller-aircraft-carrier.html
 
Poland Urged to Look for Nazi-Looted Art Still Held in Its Museums
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/12/arts/design/poland-nazi-looted-art.html#click=https://t.co/
tiXIH47z0M
 
‘A long time to wait’: Virginia passes Equal Rights Amendment in historic vote
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/2020/01/15/0475d51a-36f1-11ea-9541-
9107303481a4_story.html
 
 
 
 
 
 
Archaeology
 
Tomb Containing Three Generations of Warrior Women Unearthed in Russia
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/tomb-containing-three-generations-amazon-warrior-
women-unearthed-russia-180973877/?
utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=socialmedia&fbclid=IwAR0NqNanvRybTSj050RIt_7m
onlhh7YT9y1obRV4ysbIPgGl6_NRhZ4ipaw
 
Political dispute threatens existence of Arizona Archaeological Council
https://tucson.com/news/local/political-dispute-threatens-existence-of-arizona-archaeological-
council/article_dae61109-dae9-55a5-ae8b-26d96fafb537.html?
fbclid=IwAR3VQcsFKWX0BXz1b97AgrxoagiMHVv1Njrt14kaDdoAmSf0boTXBYkoryM
 
50 Graves of Slaves Who Toiled at a Roman Villa Unearthed in England
https://www.livescience.com/50-roman-burials-discovered-in-england.html
 
Cryptic suicide note raises suspicions of foul play in Turkish archaeologist's death
https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/2020/01/17/cryptic-suicide-note-raises-suspicions-of-foul-play-
in-turkish-archaeologists-death
 
Bolivian tourists arrested in Perú for damaging iconic Machu Picchu archaeological site
https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2020/01/bolivian-tourists-arrested-in-peru-for-damaging-iconic-
machu-picchu-archaeological-site/
 
Buddha heirloom returned to Sri Lanka by Hampshire family
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-hampshire-51105006/buddha-heirloom-returned-to-sri-
lanka-by-hampshire-family
 
Native Americans Were Original Residents of Nation's Capital
https://www.voanews.com/usa/native-americans-were-original-residents-nations-capital
 
Archaeologists suggest restoring canal surrounding ancient citadel
https://en.vietnamplus.vn/archaeologists-suggest-restoring-canal-surrounding-ancient-citadel/
167349.vnp
 
Assyrian Reliefs Excavated in Northern Iraq
https://www.archaeology.org/news/8361-200117-iraq-assyrian-reliefs
 
Peru’s Pachacamac Idol Analyzed
https://www.archaeology.org/news/8360-200117-peru-pachacamac-idol
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Egyptology
 
Nothing to report
 
 
 
 

General Science
 
Computers Are Learning to See in Higher Dimensions
https://www.wired.com/story/computers-are-learning-to-see-in-higher-dimensions/?
bxid=5bd6790424c17c1048020acb&cndid=41291302&esrc=twitter-newsletter-
c&source=EDT_WIR_NEWSLETTER_0_DAILY_ZZ&utm_brand=wired&utm_campaign=aud-
dev&utm_mailing=WIR_Daily_011220&utm_medium=email&utm_source=nl&utm_term=list1_p3
 
Scientists use stem cells from frogs to build first living robots
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jan/13/scientists-use-stem-cells-from-frogs-to-build-
first-living-robots?
CMP=fb_gu&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1578956281

Physics, Earth and Space Sciences

 
Jupiter may not have caused our solar system's 'Great Divide' after all
https://www.space.com/solar-system-great-divide-predate-jupiter.html?utm_source=notification
 
Helicopter gunship pilot, 36, who flew more than 150 missions in Afghanistan and earned the
nickname 'Jaws' becomes the FIRST Iranian-American astronaut and praises space exploration for
'uniting' the countries
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7878739/Marine-major-36-Iranian-American-astronaut-
praises-space-exploration-uniting-us.html
 
Scientists Sent Mighty Mice To Space To Improve Treatments Back On Earth
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/01/16/796316186/scientists-sent-mighty-mice-to-
space-to-improve-treatments-back-on-earth?sc=18&f=1001
 
Potential super-Earth found orbiting the nearest star from our sun
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/15/world/proxima-centauri-second-planet-scn/index.html
 
Commander Sworn In As First Member Of New Space Force
https://www.npr.org/2020/01/14/796405754/commander-sworn-in-as-first-member-of-new-space-
force?sc=18&f=1001
 
'Melting rock' models predict mechanical origins of earthquakes
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-01/du-rm011420.php
 
When David poses as Goliath
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-01/uoe-wdp011720.php
 
Rough seas delay escape test for SpaceX crew capsule
https://phys.org/news/2020-01-rough-seas-spacex-crew-capsule.html
 
Here and gone: Outbound comets are likely of extra-solar origin
https://phys.org/news/2020-01-outbound-comets-extra-solar.html

Environment, Climate Change and Alternative Energy

Sources
 
Submarine Hobbyists Help Researchers On Montana's Flathead Lake
https://www.npr.org/2019/09/02/755571204/submarine-hobbyists-help-researchers-on-montanas-
flathead-lake?sc=tw
 
Germany agrees plan to phase out coal power by 2038
https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/world-europe-51133534?__twitter_impression=true
 
The new, safer nuclear reactors that might help stop climate change
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/612940/the-new-safer-nuclear-reactors-that-might-help-stop-
climate-change/
 
This is what energy resilience could look like
https://www.greenbiz.com/article/what-energy-resilience-could-look?
utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_term=&utm_content=nrecanews_1a3d8166-c119-
4c5d-be69-7ffde602e1ee&utm_campaign=

Microwaving sewage waste may make it safe to use as

fertilizer on crops

https://theconversation.com/microwaving-sewage-waste-may-
make-it-safe-to-use-as-fertilizer-on-crops-128776
 
Mobile protected areas needed to protect biodiversity in the high seas
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-01/uow-mpa011020.php
 
 

Biological, Genetics and Medical Sciences

 
Can Today’s Whale Species Survive the Age of Humans?
https://relay.nationalgeographic.com/proxy/distribution/public/amp/animals/2018/08/can-today_s-
whale-species-survive-the-age-of-humans-?__twitter_impression=true
 
Dolphin mom adopts whale calf—a first
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2019/07/bottlenose-dolphins-adoption-oceans-calves/
 
Meet the pioneering scientists transforming medicine for millions of people
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sponsor-story/regeneron/2020/01/13/meet-pioneering-scientists-
transforming-medicine-millions-people/4302453002/?
fbclid=IwAR1S3_s54QzoGzsyCZv8KGLTeAkXbtiBL3j1n7m6_e8j8FBz1g_FAJ8wXII
 
'A Lifeline' For Doctors Helps Them Treat Postpartum Depression
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/01/15/794943944/a-lifeline-for-doctors-helps-them-
treat-postpartum-depression?sc=18&f=1001
 
Embryo Research To Reduce Need For In Vitro Fertilization Raises Ethical Concerns
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/01/15/796018096/embryo-research-to-reduce-need-
for-in-vitro-fertilization-raises-ethical-concern?sc=18&f=1001
 

3D printing of body parts is coming fast – but regulations are

not ready

https://theconversation.com/3d-printing-of-body-parts-is-
coming-fast-but-regulations-are-not-ready-128691

 
The mysterious, legendary giant squid's genome is revealed
https://phys.org/news/2020-01-mysterious-legendary-giant-squid-genome.html
 
Rich rewards: Scientists reveal ADHD medication's effect on the brain
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-01/oios-rrs011720.php
 
New tumor-driving mutations discovered in the under-explored regions of the cancer genome
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-01-tumor-driving-mutations-under-explored-regions-
cancer.html
 
Kill Switch for CRISPR Could Make Gene Editing Safer
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/kill-switch-for-crispr-could-make-gene-editing-safer/
 
 
 
 
 
 

Other
 
Nothing to report
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Additional Informational
 
50 Years of Science, Service, and Stewardship- Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=5hVukYLG5m4&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1dMidUiKhQ_uZvjivLP17Y9RSCLRLxuHiy
xtDv8_fINNH2eUtLxltj1Do
 
The Italian Resistance and the Ardeatine Caves Massacre
https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/italian-resistance-and-ardeatine-caves-massacre?
utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social
 
The NuScale SMR: Now Nuclear Goes ‘Off the Grid’
https://www.nei.org/news/2018/nuscale-smr-now-nuclear-goes-off-grid
 
Advanced Nuclear: Advanced reactors expand the possibilities of nuclear for clean energy and
beyond.
https://www.nei.org/advocacy/build-new-reactors/advanced-nuclear