Scientists discover treasure trove of fossils in limestone layer in China

Scientists have discovered a treasure trove of 250-million-year-old fossils in limestone layer in China. Key quote:

The 50-foot-thick (16 meters) layer of limestone that held these fossils dates back to when south China was a large island just north of the equator with a tropical climate. A smattering of fossil land plants suggest this marine community lived near a conifer forest. The fossils are exceptionally well-preserved, with more than half of them completely intact, including soft tissues. Apparently they were protected across the ages by mats of microbes that rapidly sealed their bodies off from decay after death.

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Contractor proposes taking over two shuttles and flying them for NASA through 2017

The contractor who manages the shutte program for NASA, United Space Alliance (USA), has proposed taking over two shuttles and flying them privately for NASA through 2017. Key quote:

USAโ€™s current estimated price tag of $1.5 billion per year would represent a substantial drop from previous funding levels, which have seen shuttle program costs rise as high as $4 billion per year. United Space Alliance says its plan would take advantage of shuttle infrastructure and a workforce already in place. Some shuttle production lines would have to be restarted โ€” for example, the operation that builds the shuttleโ€™s external fuel tanks. But USA says the first commercial shuttle flights could take place in 2013. That would beat the 2016 deadline specified in last yearโ€™s legislation, as well as the development schedule laid out by SpaceX and USAโ€™s other commercial competitors.

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