This week's science news brings a mix of fascinating topics, from the potential sentience of invertebrates to innovative solutions for tackling climate change and pondering the future of humanity's lasting legacy.
Do Bugs Feel? The Evolving Science of Sentience
Do worms feel pain when stepped on? Are ants happy when they find food? The question of invertebrate sentience is becoming increasingly relevant as scientific understanding evolves. Dr. Andrew Crump at the Royal Veterinary College has been instrumental in amending UK laws to recognize the sentience of large cephalopod molluscs and decapod crustaceans, like octopuses, lobsters, and crabs.
However, as Dr. Crump notes, determining invertebrate sentience is not straightforward. It requires careful observation and scientific rigor to understand how different species perceive and react to their environment. This ongoing research challenges our assumptions about the animal kingdom and has implications for how we treat and interact with these creatures.
A Lichen's Journey: Reintroduction with Glue
In a remarkable conservation effort, the rare scrambled egg lichen has been successfully reintroduced to East Anglia. This bright yellow, crumbly lichen, *so named for its bright yellow, crumbly appearance*, was once common in the Breckland region of Norfolk and Suffolk but disappeared in 1994.
Using bookbinding glue, small patches of the lichen were carefully moved from Cornwall back to their historical habitat. This innovative approach highlights the dedication and ingenuity involved in preserving biodiversity and restoring ecosystems. It's a testament to the power of creative problem-solving in the face of environmental challenges.
Chonkus: The CO2-Chomping Alga Hero
Meet Chonkus, a nickname for *Synechococcus elongatus*, a special strain of blue-green alga that's a CO2-guzzling champion. This microbe absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and stores more carbon than other strains of its kind.
Chonkus grows rapidly in dense colonies, making it a promising candidate for mitigating the climate crisis. Its ability to efficiently capture and store carbon could offer a valuable tool in the fight against global warming. This discovery underscores the potential of harnessing nature's own solutions to address environmental issues.
Technofossils: Humanity's Lasting Imprint
What will future paleontologists find when they dig up the remnants of our civilization? According to a fascinating podcast, the answer may lie in "technofossils"—the everyday objects that will become our lasting legacy. Think plastic bags, cheap clothes, tin cans, and even chicken bones. These discarded items, preserved in the Earth's layers, could offer insights into how we lived and what we valued.
Sarah Gabbott, a professor of palaeontology at the University of Leicester, explores this concept in her new book, "Discarded: How Technofossils Will Be Our Ultimate Legacy." The idea forces us to confront the environmental impact of our consumer habits and consider what our material possessions will say about us to future generations. As Damian Carrington of The Guardian aptly puts it, these technofossils will be humanity's "eternal testament."
From the smallest invertebrates to the largest questions about our impact on the planet, this week's science news offers a diverse and thought-provoking glimpse into the world around us.