Details of Evolutionary Transition from Fish to Land Animals Revealed

New research has provided the first detailed look at the internal head skeleton of Tiktaalik roseae, the 375-million-year-old fossil animal that represents an important intermediate step in the evolutionary transition from fish to animals that walked on land.Results of the study, published in this week's issue of the journal Nature, show that the transition from aquatic to terrestrial lifestyle involved complex changes not only to appendages (fins to limbs) but also ... More at http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=112416&govDel=USNSF_51 This is an NSF News item.

Star Count Goes Global

Schoolchildren, families and citizen scientists around the world will gaze skyward after dark from Oct. 20 to Nov.3, 2008, looking for specific constellations and then sharing their observations through the Internet.The Great World Wide Star Count, now in its second year, helps scientists map light pollution globally while educating participants about the stars.The event, which is open to everyone who wants to participate, is organized by the Windows to the Universe project at ... More at http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=112446&govDel=USNSF_51 This is an NSF News item.