Symbol equations are a quick way of representing chemical reactions. They show us what atoms are involved and how they are bonded together. Symbol equations always take the form, reactants → ...

Researchers investigating how the first writing arose identified the motifs on preliterate "cylinder seals" used in the trade of agricultural products and textiles.

Now, a new paper suggests that one of the world’s earliest writing systems may have been influenced by older symbols engraved on small cylinders. These stone “cylinder seals” helped our ...