Astronomers detect light behind black hole for first time

Astronomers have detected light behind a supermassive black hole at the centre of a galaxy 245 million parsecs away. As well as spotting bright flares of X-rays bursting from the black hole, telescopes picked up unexpected ‘luminous echoes’, smaller and later X-ray flashes.

Sponge-like fossil could be Earth’s earliest known animal

Most major groups of animals first appear in the fossil record during the Cambrian explosion, 541 million years ago. But fossils resembling sponges found in northwestern Canada could be 350 million years older, significantly pushing back the date of Earth’s earliest-known animals.

Massive DNA structures perplex scientists

Scientists analysed samples from muddy sites in the western United States and found DNA structures that seem to scavenge and ‘assimilate’ genes from microorganisms in their environment. These extra-long DNA strands join a diverse collection of genetic structures — circular plasmids, for example — known as extrachromosomal elements.

Dolphins learn their teammates’ names

Male dolphins learn the signature whistles — unique ‘names’ given to dolphins by their mothers — of each member of their extensive, lifelong network of allies. The finding suggests that the cetaceans have a concept of team membership — a first in the animal kingdom. Scientists used underwater sound systems and drones to observe how dolphins responded to each other’s hails. The animals were quickest to heed the call of pals who had helped them in the past.

Extinct beetle species found in coprolite

The only known members of an extinct family of beetles have been found in the fossilised fæces of a Triassic reptile. Several Triamyxa coprolithica were spotted in the coprolite, some still sporting their delicate legs and antennae. Researchers used synchrotron microtomography to construct a 3D image of the interior of dung presumed to have been excreted by Silesaurus opolensis, an ancestor of the dinosaurs.