April 2005 in Science - April 6, 2005

April 6, 2005

• Computer reconstruction of the 7 million year old fossilised remains of Toumaï (Sahelanthropus tchadensis), confirm the fossil as the oldest known hominid. (Nature) (BBC)
• Studies in mice hove shown that a low dose of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance in cannabis, can protect blood vessels from the formation of arterial blockages. (Nature)
• The prevalence of nanobacteria is becoming more accepted as evidence mounts for their role in the spread of disease; and perhaps the formation of raindrops in the atmosphere. (EurekAlert)
• Hitachi has increased data density on harddrives to 230Gigabit per square inch using perpendicular recording. This could lead to 1-inch 20 Gigabyte and 1 Terabyte 3.5-inch drives by 2007. (ElectronicNews)