Genetic Sequencing of Protein from T. rex Bone Confirms Dinosaurs' Link to Birds

Scientists have put more meat on the theory that dinosaurs' closest living relatives are modern-day birds.Molecular analysis, or genetic sequencing, of a 68-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex protein from the dinosaur's femur confirms that T. rex shares a common ancestry with chickens, ostriches, and to a lesser extent, alligators.The dinosaur protein was wrested from a fossil T. rex femur discovered in 2003 by paleontologist John Horner of the Museum ... More at http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=111466&govDel=USNSF_51 This is an NSF News item.

Injecting Sulfate Particles into Stratosphere Could Have Drastic Impact on Earth's Ozone Layer

A much-discussed idea to offset global warming by injecting sulfate particles into the stratosphere would have a drastic impact on Earth's protective ozone layer, new research concludes.The study, led by Simone Tilmes of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colo., warns that such an approach would delay the recovery of the Antarctic ozone hole by decades and cause significant ozone loss over the Arctic.The study results are published today in the ... More at http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=111467&govDel=USNSF_51 This is an NSF News item.