Science news this week: Life on Mars, weird water and a curious human cousin

This week, we’ve taken one tantalizing step closer to finding out if there really was life on Mars, after NASA’s Perseverance rover uncovered the highest concentration of organic molecules on the Red Planet to date.The data comes from mudstones in Jezero crater, which once hosted a deep lake. Last year, researchers described a piece of rock with patterns resembling those left by microorganisms on Earth as one of the clearest signs yet of past Martian microbes.Now, scientists have confirmed the widespread presence of complex carbon-based molecules in this area of the crater, which they suggest indicate the presence of fossilized…

Zach Thornton authors strong start in latest Mets’ call-up

Zach Thornton nailed his latest audition. The Mets pitching prospect, who was called up following the David Peterson trade this week, impressed in his second major league start on Friday as he pitched six clean innings against the Phillies. The 24-year-old finished his night with seven strikeouts, five hits allowed…

The massive Jaylen Brown price Celtics are asking for in trade

It might cost a fortune to trade for Jaylen Brown.  On ESPN’s “Get Up” Friday morning, NBA insider Shams Charania revealed the Celtics may be asking some teams for several first-round picks for the star who’s been constantly in trade rumors the last few weeks.  “My understanding is that in…

Isaiah Hartenstein signing new three-year,  million Thunder contract

Isaiah Hartenstein isn’t going anywhere. Hartenstein is returning to the Thunder on a three-year, $75 million deal, with a rare mutual option after the 2027-28 season, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday night. The contract also has a 15 percent trade kicker, per ESPN. The Thunder had a big decision to…

Young Padres outfielder gives honest thoughts on Dodgers rivalry

The San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers currently sit as the best rivalry in baseball right now. But when it comes down to a weekend matchup against one another at the end of June, young outfielder Samad Taylor views the rivalry as “Just another day of baseball.” Of…

Undrafted rookie Dominic Zvada opens Giants kicking competition

Better call Sauls (and Sanders). Undrafted rookie Dominic Zvada fired the opening salvo Saturday at Giants rookie minicamp in what is expected to be a kicking competition pitting him against incumbent Ben Sauls and former All-Pro Jason Sanders. Zvada went 5-for-5 on field goals, including a 55-yarder. “It’s going to…

Are we more closely related to cats or dogs?

They sleep on our beds, steal our food, and generally rule the house. Between them, cats and dogs make up two-thirds of pet ownership worldwide. But which of the two companion animals are we more closely related to?The answer depends on how you look at the question.”From an evolutionary perspective…

Mets’ Bo Bichette hitting better than woeful numbers suggest

PHOENIX — Bo Bichette’s numbers are lagging, perhaps along with his luck. The Mets infielder, still searching for his first real hot streak, entered Saturday with a disappointing .570 OPS, but his underlying numbers suggest he should be faring better. Bichette began play with a .231 batting average, but according…

Knicks have shot to repeat feat 37 years in making — sweeping rival 76ers

PHILADELPHIA — Before social media and brand marketing and everything else that’s snatched away most genuine reactions from team sports, Charles Oakley, the enforcer and spokesman of the Knicks, told a ballboy, “Go get that broom.”  The Knicks were in Philadelphia and just completed a first-round sweep of the Sixers.…

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