This week in science
Here are the biggest science stories of October 8–13, told in eight stunning images.
Mario Tama/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Researchers discovered that some ancient Roman concrete remains durable due to unexpected chemical reactions. Leucite in the volcanic rock of the concrete can dissolve in rain and reinforce the structure, preventing cracks that would otherwise form.
Researchers rediscovered the first known paper published in a British medical journal by an African American author. In 1837, Dr. James McCune Smith published work exposing unsafe treatments at a Glasgow hospital using medical statistics.
Researchers studying gamma ray sources in space determined most come from blazars — galaxies with supermassive black holes emitting particles that make them visible. These rare galaxies are extremely difficult to detect visually.
Blue Origin sent its second human crew to space, this time including Star Trek star William Shatner. Shatner, now the oldest person ever to go to space, called it “the most profound experience I can imagine.”