Scientists used fossil pollen to augment historical records of ancient Egyptian droughts and fires, including a massive 4,200-year-old drought that contributed to the demise of Egypt's Old Kingdom. The study provides insights into the evolution of societies tied to climate variability.
The Neolithic Age saw a direct connection between the development of an agricultural society and the emergence of sophisticated carpentry. Archaeological evidence suggests that as humans transitioned from hunter-gatherers to farmers, they also developed heavier axes and woodworking tools capable of felling trees.
Researchers found evidence of domestication at an ancient Mayan site in Guatemala, suggesting the Mexican turkey was introduced to the region around 300 B.C. The discovery has significant consequences for understanding Maya subsistence and animal exchange with other cultures.
A new study by Emanuela Guidoboni and colleagues reveals the historical record on ancient and medieval earthquakes in L'Aquila has gaps that must be addressed to assess seismic hazard. The region experienced multiple strong earthquakes, with a tendency to produce simultaneous events varying in impact.
A colossal human figure, 1.5m tall, with intricate details and Hieroglyphic Luwian inscription, was discovered at the Tayinat gate complex in southeastern Turkey. The sculpture is part of a monumental gate complex that dated back to the Neo-Hittite Kingdom of Patina.
A new study reveals that Native-Americans' high rates of diabetes may be attributed to their ancestors' high-fiber diet, which was rich in foods like maize and sunflower seeds. This diet, characterized by low fat and glycemic index, could have given rise to 'thrifty genes' that now contribute to the disease.
Griffith University researchers analyze ancient human remains to determine the origins of people in South-east Asia and Australia. The study identifies two waves of human migration through Asia and detects historic patterns of interbreeding among early people.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered a massive ancient dam built by the Maya, stretching over 260 feet and holding 20 million gallons of water. The dam, constructed from cut stone and earth, was part of a sophisticated water management system that allowed the city to thrive despite periodic droughts.
Researchers inserted ancient gene into modern-day E. coli and observed its evolution over 1,000 generations. The results showed that the ancient gene did not mutate to become more similar to its modern form, but rather the bacteria adapted through novel mutations.
Researchers analyzed over 2,000 al Qaeda propaganda items and found that most quotes focused on enduring hardships and maintaining faith, rather than seeking world domination. The 'Verse of the Sword' was used only three times in these quotes.
Researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona successfully extracted the genetic material from two ancient newborns with congenital syphilis. This breakthrough study reveals that younger individuals are more likely to have preserved DNA, shedding light on the historical development of the disease and its geographic distribution.
Researchers warn of an impending catastrophic event where the planet's ecosystems irreversibly collapse due to extreme fluctuations in climates and biodiversity loss. The study suggests that governments must take immediate action to reduce population growth, invest in sustainable technologies and adopt environmentally-friendly practices.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a mathematical system used by ancient Egyptians to measure the volume of spherical jugs. By linking units of length to units of volume, merchants could precisely determine the quantity of liquid within, allowing for accurate pricing and trade.
A new study suggests that giant magma bodies forming the basis of super-eruptions exist for a few thousand years before erupting, rather than hundreds of thousands. This discovery has implications for predicting and mitigating the effects of these massive eruptions.
A 16th-century Korean child's mummified liver has revealed a unique hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C2 sequence common in Southeast Asia, providing insight into the virus's evolution and spread. The ancient genome is the oldest full viral genome described in scientific literature.
A new study by Durham University found that modern dog breeds have little in common with their ancient ancestors due to thousands of years of cross-breeding. The research analyzed genetic data from 1,375 dogs and showed that even breeds labeled as 'ancient' are not closer to the first domestic dogs.
Researchers found that tiny fragments of plaque can provide clues about ancient diets by analyzing stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios. This new method avoids the need for destructive methods like analyzing bone or hair, which are often too expensive or perishable.
The Allen Telescope Array will continue searching for intelligent life in space and monitoring space debris under new management by SRI International. The facility will also support the SETI Institute's efforts to detect signals from newly discovered exoplanets.
The Mediterranean Sea, rich in biodiversity, is under threat from human pressures such as overfishing, tourism, and shipping traffic. Despite progress made in addressing environmental issues, concerted action remains a challenge due to regional differences.
Scientists uncover evidence of punctuated evolution in ancient Egyptian cotton, suggesting rapid change over a short period. The findings shed light on agricultural development in the ancient world and provide insights for modern agriculture.
A study of Afghan DNA reveals a shared genetic heritage with a common ancestral population emerging during the Neolithic revolution. The analysis indicates that early civilizations in the region contributed to the unique genetic diversity of Afghans, shaped by migrations and invasions.
A study reconstructing fisheries yields over seven centuries in Hawaii and Florida Keys reveals that Native Hawaiian societies managed fisheries sustainably through local regulations and community involvement. The authors argue that incorporating ancient techniques into modern policy may be key to sustaining coral reef fisheries.
A new study reveals that the Indian monsoon has undergone significant changes over the last few millennia, from a steady humid monsoon to extended periods of drought. The research provides insights into the impact of the monsoon on past cultures and could help model future monsoons.
A wooden statue of a king, believed to be female pharaoh Hatshepsut, was found along with an offering chapel and remains of over 80 animal mummies. The discovery provides insight into ritual activity associated with the great gods and challenges previous understanding of pharaonic representation.
Researchers used a microbial lipid proxy to identify ancient droughts and alkaline soils on the Tibetan Plateau, associated with significant uplift nine million years ago. The study suggests that abrupt uplifts can cause enhanced aridity in central Asia.
Researchers have analyzed ancient manuscripts from 9th-10th century Iraq to reconstruct the climate of the past. The study reveals abnormal weather patterns, including droughts and floods, as well as rare cold events such as hailstorms and snowfall in Baghdad.
Recent studies suggest that prehistoric pastoralist societies in Eurasia developed distinct economies and triggered the formation of extensive networks of interaction. These 'nonuniform institutional complexity' models describe how small-scale institutions impact wider-scale political economies and shape the growth of great empires.
A University of Southampton-led project, Google Ancient Places (GAP), is developing a web application that allows users to search for references to ancient places within classical texts. The project uses specialist software to identify place mentions and plots results on a map using an independent digital gazetteer.
Researchers have uncovered a network of cisterns and reservoirs that fed the community's water supply in the ancient city of Xcoch, Mexico. The findings provide insights into the city's ability to adapt to drought and its significance as a religious site.
Researchers examine the link between climate warming and mass extinctions, revealing a direct consequence of Siberian trap volcanism. They also document land-based magnetic lineations similar to those found in sea-floor spreading centers and provide evidence for river drainage system rearrangement linked to ancient civilizations.
Researchers analyzed Mayan containers for nicotine traces, revealing physical evidence of tobacco use dating back to the Late Classic Maya period (600-900 AD). The study confirms the intended use of an ancient container and highlights the importance of mass spectrometry in analyzing organic residues.
Researchers analyze ancient Mayan pottery using advanced technology to detect nicotine and its oxidation products, providing rare evidence of unsmoked tobacco leaves. The discovery represents new insights into the ancient roots of tobacco use in the Americas.
Research at Pompeii counters previous theories that tombs were abandoned due to garbage, suggesting people continued to maintain burial spaces alongside public areas. The ancient city's casual treatment of waste is also revealed, with trash found in homes, streets, and alleys.
A species of ancient predator, varanopid 'pelycosaur', survived a major extinction event in the Permian Period. Varanopids had sleek bodies, saw-like teeth, and a diet consisting of over 70% meat, contributing to their long survival.
New research suggests ancient Meso-American civilizations amplified droughts by clearing rainforests, leading to significant precipitation decline. Ancient dry spells also occurred in the Northeast, with major droughts lasting up to 500 years, hinting at a potential future of severe water shortages.
Baltic scientists have reinvented the centuries-old sourdough bread-making technique, which was used in ancient times, to meet the needs of the modern food industry. The project FERMFOOD found ways to deliver a better flavor, texture and longer shelf life while maintaining dietary fiber and reducing additives.
A pair of postdoctoral researchers at Penn State suggest that we have not looked in enough places to ensure the absence of extraterrestrial artifacts. They used a probabilistic method to determine if sufficient searching has been done, finding it challenging to rule out their presence.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have found evidence of advanced blade production during the late Lower Paleolithic period, around 200,000-400,000 years ago. The discovery of well-planned 'production lines' suggests a sophisticated tool-making system that rivals later blade technology.
The study combines advanced supercomputing with a quarter-century of worldwide news to forecast human behavior. It predicts civil unrest, country stability, and the movement of individuals across the globe.
Scientists have discovered that antibiotic-resistant genes existed in ancient DNA from 30,000-year-old permafrost. This finding suggests that resistance is a natural phenomenon that predates modern clinical antibiotic use.
A team of researchers has found an abundance of genetic diversity in ancient wild horses, contradicting the idea that modern male horses lack diversity due to intrinsic properties. The study suggests that domestication is the main reason for the low genetic diversity in modern stallions.
Researchers at Imperial College London have created 3D virtual fossil models of two ancient types of harvestmen, which lived on Earth over 300 million years ago. The 3D models reveal that these ancient creatures were surprisingly modern in appearance, with some species still living today exhibiting similar characteristics.
Archaeologists have uncovered a 3,000-year-old lion sculpture adorning a citadel gate complex in southeastern Turkey. The find provides valuable insight into the cultural sophistication of Iron Age states in the eastern Mediterranean.
Astronomers at UC Berkeley are using the Green Bank radio telescope to search for signals from advanced civilizations on 86 Earth-like planets identified by Kepler. The team aims to detect signals that could be indicative of life, scanning a range of frequencies including the water hole, a canonical place to look for intentional signals.
Researchers explore why large, successful Maya communities were built near wetlands, finding that ancient environments and agricultural practices contributed to their success. The project sheds light on the Maya's 'edge farming' technique, which created fertile soils along the interface between uplands and swamps.
Recent UC research on ancient Maya agroforestry and water-management systems at Tikal reveals that the forests were insufficient to meet the needs of Late Classic Maya populations, highlighting the importance of sustainable management techniques. The study also sheds light on how the ancient Maya built their water management systems, u...
New research suggests that ancient trash mounds, or middens, left behind by prehistoric humans may be responsible for the formation of tree islands in the Florida Everglades. These elevated areas allowed trees to grow and provided a habitat for wildlife. Human disturbance is now threatening the existence of these unique ecosystems.
A UT Knoxville historian is using a $50,000 NEH grant to study small village settlements in ancient Israel, which he believes were just as vibrant and dynamic as city-states.
Scientists used synchrotron X-ray imaging to study an ancient fossilized snake, revealing details of its internal architecture. The results suggest that snakes lost their legs due to slower growth rates or a shorter evolutionary period.
A new tree-ring chronology reconstructs the climate of pre-colonial Mexico on an annual basis for over a millennium, pinning down four ancient megadroughts to their exact years. The record provides insights into the rise and fall of pre-Hispanic civilizations, particularly the Aztecs and Mayans.
Researchers analyzed wine drinking cups used in ancient Athens, finding that changes in cup forms marked significant social and political shifts. The study reveals how the democratization of symposia led to equal consumption and loss of inhibitions among attendees.
Researchers studied ancient rain, microbial life, and ocean islands to understand uplift and climate change. They found that the North American Cordillera was uplifted by ancient rain, while microbial life existed inside fluid inclusions in modern and ancient salt crystals.
Researchers found that the wave of mountain building swept down western North America as far south as Mexico and as far east as Nebraska. The data, from ancient precipitation, suggests a slow-motion wave of mountain-building coursing southward, with elevations up to 14,000 feet.
A recent genetic study has overturned current thinking on the origins of European farming populations. The research, published in PLOS Biology, found that these early farmers were more closely related to populations living in modern-day Turkey, Iraq, and other parts of the Ancient Near East than to local hunter-gatherers.
Scientists discovered a symbiotic relationship between ancient land plants and soil-dwelling fungi, enhancing photosynthetic carbon uptake and plant fitness. This collaboration, dating back nearly half a billion years, played a crucial role in the 'greening' of the Earth.
Researchers have uncovered a rare find of an ancient royal garden at Ramat Rachel, which dates back to the 7th century B.C.E. The dig has revealed intricate irrigation systems, stone-carved gutters, and elaborate waterfalls, providing valuable insights into power dynamics and water management in ancient times.
Researchers investigate a massive salt industry in Belize's Paynes Creek National Park and its submergence by sea-level rise. They aim to reconstruct the ancient landscape and explore possible inland supply routes for the Maya civilization.
Archaeologists Vance Holliday and David Meltzer argue that the Clovis comet impact hypothesis is not supported by archaeological evidence. They found no evidence of a sudden cooling of the climate or a post-impact gap in human occupation at Clovis sites.
Researchers have found evidence that ancient Nubians regularly consumed tetracycline, a powerful antibiotic, most likely through their beer. This discovery suggests that the art of making antibiotics was common practice nearly 2,000 years ago and challenges traditional views on the origins of modern medicine.
Researchers have reconstructed the Earth's climate belts between 460 and 445 million years ago, finding patterns that suggest ancient carbon dioxide levels were more modest than thought. The study reveals a 'modern-looking' pattern in ancient oceans, emphasizing the stability of the atmosphere and climate through deep time.