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Supernova Sparks Viral Explosion in Lake Tanganyika

2/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Cosmic rays from a supernova that exploded 2.5 million years ago might have sparked a viral explosion in Lake Tanganyika, East Africa. Researchers discovered iron-60 isotopes in sediment, revealing a surge in cosmic radiation that likely damaged DNA and sped up mutations, connecting celestial events to Earth's evolutionary journey.

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Story summary

Cosmic rays from a supernova that exploded 2.5 million years ago might have sparked a viral explosion in Lake Tanganyika, East Africa. Researchers discovered iron-60 isotopes in sediment, revealing a surge in cosmic radiation that likely damaged DNA and sped up mutations, connecting celestial events to Earth's evolutionary journey.