Giant dinosaurs, such as sauropods, avoided the tropics for up to 30 million years due to the harsh and fluctuating climate, according to a study by researchers at the University of Southampton. The study, which analyzed rocks deposited by rivers and streams between 205 million and 215 million years ago, found that plant fossils hinted at repeated sudden changes in climate, while fossil charcoal suggested that raging wildfires every few dozen years could reach temperatures of up to about 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions would have made it difficult for abundant vegetation to grow and survive, preventing giant herbivores from invading the region.
Solidarity Foundation has launched a new action to provide financial aid to orphans in Palestine. The foundation's volunteers have already started supporting 20 young children in Palestine and believe that even a small act of kindness can change their fate. The foundation urges everyone to contribute to this cause and help these children survive and live on.
The European Space Agency announced that the comet lander Philae has awakened from a seven-month hibernation and managed to communicate with Earth for more than a minute. The probe became the first spacecraft to land on a comet when it touched down on the icy surface of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in November. After its historic landing Philae managed to conduct experiments and send data to Earth for about 60 hours before its batteries were depleted and it was forced to shut down its systems. Scientists hoped the probe would wake up again as the comet approaches the sun, allowing its solar panels to charge the on-board battery.
A study conducted by Japanese researchers shows that dogs are loyal to their owners and will snub someone who snubs their owner. The experiment involved three groups of dogs and their owners, with each dog watching a little drama unfold involving its owner and two strangers. The results showed that dogs know enough about human behavior to take their owner's side when the owner runs into trouble with other humans.