NASA facility with deep-space rocket takes direct hit from a tornado; Newly discovered gecko has a quick-release mechanism for escaping predators; Dear Science: Why do we love our pets?; Scientists plan to march on Washington — but where will it get them?; Oldest proteins ever have been found in a 195-million-year-old dinosaur, scientists say;   Sarah Kaplan on Science   This is how you photograph a million dead plants without losing your mind The Smithsonian's botany collection is finally going digital. But photographing and archiving 3.5 million specimens has proved an unbelievable challenge. By Sarah Kaplan  •  Read more » ADVERTISEMENT   NASA facility with deep-space rocket takes direct hit from a tornado Holes in the Michoud facility's walls and roof, but the rocket hardware there appears undamaged at first glance. By Joel Achenbach  •  Read more »   Newly discovered gecko has a quick-release mechanism for escaping predators It's an extreme example of quick and good-as-new regeneration. By Jason Bittel  •  Read more »   Dear Science: Why do we love our pets? People have been living alongside dogs and cats for more than 10,000 years. But psychology still can't explain the warm and gooey feeling we get when we hold them. By Sarah Kaplan  •  Read more »   Scientists plan to march on Washington — but where will it get them? Scientists are gearing up for a march planned for Earth Day. But some worry that the demonstration will politicize science. By Sarah Kaplan  •  Read more »   Oldest proteins ever have been found in a 195-million-year-old dinosaur, scientists say Researchers report finding a tiny bit of collagen clinging to 195-million-year-old dinosaur bones. By Sarah Kaplan  •  Read more »   ADVERTISEMENT   Recommended for you   The Switch The day's top stories on the tech industry and tech in our lives. Sign Up »         Share Speaking of Science:       Twitter      Facebook Trouble reading? Click here to view in your browser. You received this email because you signed up for Speaking of Science. For additional free newsletters or to manage your newsletters, click here. We respect your privacy. If you believe that this email has been sent to you in error or you no longer wish to receive email from The Washington Post, click here. Contact us for help. ©2017 The Washington Post, 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071