Some Elements can be Liquid and Solid at the Same Time | SciShow News

TL;DR

Scientists have discovered a new state of matter called the chain-melted state, where elements can exist as both liquids and solids. Additionally, archaeologists have found a new human species called Homo luzonensis in the Philippines.

Transcript

Thanks to Skillshare for supporting this whole week of SciShow! [♪ INTRO] You’re probably used to the idea of a few states of matter. You’ve got solids, liquids, gases. At least, that’s what you see in everyday life. But scientists keep finding that elements can exist in other states in extreme environments. Earlier this week, research published in... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫠 Scientists have discovered a new state of matter, the chain-melted state, where elements exhibit characteristics of both liquids and solids under extreme conditions.
• ♻️ The behavior of elements in extreme conditions can help us understand complex environments, such as the Earth's mantle, that are difficult to study directly.
• 🤙 Archaeologists have found remains belonging to a new human species called Homo luzonensis in the Philippines, highlighting the complexity of human evolution.
• 🪜 The discovery of Homo luzonensis adds to our understanding of human diversity and the evolution of our genus Homo.
• 🍃 Efforts to extract DNA from the remains of Homo luzonensis have been unsuccessful, leaving much to learn about this newly discovered human species.
• 👶 The courses offered by Skillshare can provide opportunities to learn new skills and expand knowledge in various fields, including data visualization and infographic design.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the chain-melted state of matter?

The chain-melted state is a newly discovered state of matter where elements behave as both liquids and solids under extreme temperatures and pressures. In this state, chains of molecules act like a liquid, diffusing within the solid structure.

Q: How did researchers study the behavior of elements under extreme conditions?

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh used a neural network quantum mechanics to simulate the behavior of pure potassium under extreme temperatures and pressures. The simulation revealed that the chains in the crystal structure melt while the rest remains solid.

Q: What evidence supports the existence of a new human species called Homo luzonensis?

Archaeologists discovered teeth, hand and foot bones, and part of a femur in a cave on Luzon Island in the Philippines. Precise digital measurement tools were used to analyze the remains and compare them to bones of known human species, revealing key differences and leading to the conclusion of a new human species.

Q: How long ago were the remains of Homo luzonensis found in the Philippines?

The remains of Homo luzonensis were dated to be over 50,000 years old, making them the earliest evidence of humans in the Philippines. However, other evidence suggests that humans have been on Luzon Island for almost 700,000 years.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• A new state of matter called the chain-melted state has been discovered, where elements behave as both liquid and solid at extreme temperatures and pressures.

• Researchers from the University of Edinburgh used a neural network quantum mechanics to simulate the behavior of pure potassium under extreme conditions and found that the chains in the X-shaped crystal structure melt while the rest remains solid.

• Archaeologists have unearthed bones belonging to a new human species called Homo luzonensis in the Philippines, dating back over 50,000 years.