science news 29.5.2019

Today's selection of science news. Links are normally to press releases on EurekAlert (at the bottom end I may also add a couple of newspaper stories). I include quotes from the summary (using quotation marks) in cases where the title alone doesn't reveal what the story is about. My own thoughts appear without quotation marks, if I have any.


astrobiology

The 'Forbidden' planet has been found in the 'Neptunian Desert'


evolution

All ears: Genetic bases of mammalian inner ear evolution


ecology

Fossil zooplankton indicate that marine ecosystems have entered the Anthropocene

Africa's elephant poaching rates in decline, but iconic animal still under threat
Peak poaching was in 2011, apparently



Despite the decline in poaching, Africa's elephants are still at risk.
Credit: Colin Beale, University of York