The Naked Scientists Podcast The best of 2024!
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Dec 20, 2024 This lively discussion showcases the most thrilling scientific adventures of 2024, from AI advancements to breakthroughs in medicine. Dive into the genetic echoes of the Black Death and their evolutionary impact. Discover giant ichthyosaur fossils shedding light on ancient marine life. There's also a focus on revolutionizing cervical cancer screenings, advocating for accessible prevention methods. Finally, explore how robotics can unlock secrets of extinct species, illustrating the fascinating overlap between technology and natural history.
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Black Death's Genetic Impact
- The Black Death, while devastating, did not significantly alter the genetics of the surviving population in Cambridgeshire.
- Social impact was immense, but genetic changes were less pronounced than previously thought.
Plague Pit Discovery
- Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from a Cambridge plague pit, revealing insights into the Black Death's impact.
- The pit, located at Corpus Christi College, held stacked skeletons, suggesting hasty burials during the plague.
Bipedalism and Tail Loss
- A genetic mutation linked to tail loss in mice may have facilitated bipedalism in humans.
- This mutation could be crucial for our evolution from tree-dwelling to ground-living creatures.