Welcome to Weekend Links, a collection of fascinating science stories from across the web, curated by your science-loving friends at the Mass General Research Institute.
Your ‘Fat-Toothed’ Relative May Not Make It for Thanksgiving. He Vanished from Earth 300 Million Years Ago.
Laura Geggel writing for Live Science
Although it may look like a dinosaur, a newly identified sail-backed reptile that lived 300 million years ago is actually more closely related to humans, a new study finds.
Galaxies Are Eating Each Other and the Milky Way Might Be Next
JoEllen McBride writing for Massive Science
There is a lot of space in space. With our current technology, it may seem like the stars are untouchable, but our concept of space changes when you go from looking at objects the size of stars and planets to objects as large as galaxies.
Ingrid Fetell Lee: How Can We Design More Joy Into Our Surroundings?
Part 2 of the TED Radio Hour episode Where Joy Hides
Ingrid Fetell Lee discovered that certain elements–like bright color, abundance, round shapes–are universally joyful. She says designing more joyful spaces can actually change how we feel and act.
Mercury Retrograde, Explained Without Astrology
Joss Fong and Gina Barton writing for Vox
Astrologers regularly blame Mercury retrograde for a variety of everyday communication problems. But underneath those interpretations lies a much more interesting story about the limits of our Earth-bound perspective and the discovery of the solar system.
Humpback Whales Go Through A ‘Cultural Revolution’ Every Few Years
Roni Dengler writing for Discover
Humpback whales are crooners. During the breeding season, all the males typically sing the same tune, which changes over time. Now, researchers find the humpback whales’ song doesn’t just change, it gets gradually more complex each year.
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