A study analyzing genomic data from 34 fossils, including the famous sambaquis shell mounds, found that Luzio, São Paulo's oldest skeleton, was a descendant of the ancestral population that settled the Americas at least 16,000 years ago. The research also revealed differences between coastal and inland communities, suggesting two disti...
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 31, 2023
A new study by Flinders University researchers suggests that only 1% of dormant pathogens could cause major ecological harm, leading to the loss of host organisms worldwide. The simulations showed that these ancient microbes can survive, evolve, and become dominant in modern ecosystems, posing a substantial danger.
SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 27, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
A recent study suggests that ancient Mesoamerican cities, such as Caracol and Teotihuacan, withstood environmental challenges like drought and earthquakes due to their advanced infrastructure and socio-economic systems. These cities' resiliency is often overlooked in historical accounts of their collapse.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 24, 2023
A study found that ancient kurgans in the Eurasian steppes can preserve steppe grasslands and biodiversity due to their cultural significance. The presence of spiritual and cultural values on these sites increases the chance of grassland presence, comparable to protected areas.
SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalConservation Biology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 21, 2023
Researchers at Breakthrough Listen project have devised a new technique for finding and vetting possible radio signals from other civilizations. The technique eliminates the possibility of signal being mere radio interference from Earth, boosting confidence in future detection of alien life.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 17, 2023
Researchers use portable devices to analyze paint composition and layering on ancient Egyptian paintings, revealing alterations made over time. Two paintings from the Theban Necropolis were studied, uncovering changes to a figure's arm and royal items depicted on a portrait of Ramesses II.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 12, 2023
A groundbreaking study using ArchCUT3-D software analyzes ancient rock engravings, uncovering unique techniques and production procedures. The research sheds light on the craftsmanship, artistic expression, and cultural context of ancient cultures.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 2, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
MagEIA, a new Centre for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, will research magical text traditions of the ancient Near East, Egypt, and neighbouring regions. The project aims to develop new methods of textual analysis and models of cross-cultural comparison.
A new study sheds light on the genetic heritage of chickpeas by analyzing landrace genomics from over 400 specimens collected in the 1920s and 1930s. The research reveals that the spread of chickpeas within each region occurred predominantly along trade routes, rather than through simple diffusion.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2023
For the first time, researchers reveal that gold nanoparticles can melt and produce gold nanomelts at temperatures lower than macroscopic gold. This discovery opens a new debate on traditional models for gold transport in nature.
SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2023
The discovery of the Protosterol Biota, dated to at least 1.6 billion years ago, reveals a previously unknown 'lost world' of complex eukaryotes that thrived in ancient oceans and lakes. These microscopic creatures are believed to have been the first predators on Earth, playing a pivotal role in shaping ecosystems.
SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature·DateJun 7, 2023
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
A new study by USC Dornsife researchers reveals the mung bean's evolution, migration and climate adaptation journey, with two distinct adaptations favored in specific geographic locations. The southern variant is characterized by larger seeds, while the northern variant exhibits drought tolerance.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 6, 2023
A team led by Akshay Suresh is searching for periodic signals in the Milky Way's core, which could be a strategic site for an extraterrestrial beacon. The Breakthrough Listen Investigation for Periodic Spectral Signals (BLIPSS) uses novel methodology to sift through data and identify potential evidence of advanced life forms.
SourceSETI Institute·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateMay 30, 2023
Researchers have identified the oldest known true-to-scale construction plans in human history, dating back 8,000 to 9,000 years. The ancient engravings depict so-called desert dragons, kilometre-long megastructures used for trapping animals.
SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 19, 2023
Researchers Troels Arbøll and Sophie Rasmussen review ancient DNA, cultural works, and medical records to show that kissing-transmitted diseases like HSV-1 were present in ancient periods, contradicting some recent studies. The emergence of romantic-sexual kissing may have had a secondary effect on disease transmission.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 2023
Researchers have uncovered the oldest known architectural plans of human-made mega structures, dated to between 7,000 and 8,000 years ago. These engravings depict desert kites used to trap wild animals, showcasing a milestone in intelligent behavior and spatial representation.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 17, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
A new study using ancient DNA from northern and central Mexico reveals population continuity despite drastic environmental change, providing new insights into the region's demographic history. The research also identifies two 'ghost' populations contributing to pre-Hispanic populations, revealing a complex demographic landscape.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2023
Researchers reconstruct bacterial genomes of Ice Age microorganisms, reviving ancient natural products and discovering new chemical diversity. The team uses synthetic molecular biotechnology to produce chemicals encoded by ancient genes, unlocking the secrets of Earth's past microbes.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2023
A team of researchers used crowd-sourced data to simulate radio leakage from mobile towers and predict what an alien civilization might detect. The study suggests that some technical civilizations are likely to have more sensitive receiving systems, making the detectability of our mobile systems increase.
SourceSETI Institute·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 2, 2023
Ancient Mayans used an 819-day calendar that covered a much larger timeframe than previously thought. By increasing the calendar length to 20 cycles of 819 days, researchers found a pattern emerges in which the synodic periods of all visible planets align with station points in the larger calendar.
SourceTulane University·JournalAncient Mesoamerica·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 27, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Astronomers have discovered a supermassive black hole consuming a giant star, producing a long-lived transient object that is orders of magnitude brighter and more energetic than any recorded before. The object, named Scary Barbie, has lasted over two years and may be visible for years to come.
SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateApr 25, 2023
Researchers analyzed six sealed copper alloy animal coffins using neutron tomography, identifying bones, textiles, and lead fragments that shed light on ancient Egyptian mummification techniques and ritual purposes.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 20, 2023
A study led by Prof. Yong Wei analyzed epidemic records from AD 0 to 1840 in ancient China, revealing a correlation between solar activity and epidemics. The research applied wavelet analysis and ensemble empirical mode decomposition, showing similar periodic changes between the epidemic index and sunspot number.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateApr 18, 2023
Australian geoscientists discovered how long ago the Nullarbor plain dried out using iron-rich layers formed in ancient sediments. This finding provides a clearer timeframe for understanding the impact of ancient climate change on Australia's diverse flora and fauna.
SourceCurtin University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 18, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A University of South Florida anthropologist has uncovered the first ancient DNA from the Swahili Civilization, revealing African and Asian ancestry patterns. The study challenges centuries-old narratives and restores pride to the millions who identify as Swahili by providing clarity to their heritage.
SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2023
A team of researchers from South Africa has discovered exceptional trace fossils that provide insight into the locomotion of ancient giant amphibians. The fossils, found on a rock surface once part of a tidal flat or lagoon, suggest these animals propelled themselves through water with continuous side-to-side tail motions.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2023
Genome-wide studies reveal that early European farmers adopted more immune system genes from hunter-gatherers than expected, suggesting natural selection played a key role in adapting to diseases.
SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2023
Researchers have developed a new restoration method that utilizes color space-based segmentation to clean up ancient manuscripts. This technique allows for the analysis of previously inaccessible or damaged texts, providing insights into history and culture.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A genomic study of ancient humans on the Tibetan Plateau reveals a single origin for ancient humans, deriving from a northern East Asian population. The study also found distinct genetic patterns in different regions of the plateau, indicating three regional groups with unique historical patterns that began to merge after 2500 BP.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 17, 2023
A study of over 93,000 people across 93 countries found that men and women spend an average of four hours a day on beauty-enhancing behaviors. Social media usage is the strongest predictor of attractiveness-enhancing behaviors, with active users investing more time in improving their appearance.
SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateFeb 28, 2023
Researchers found that specific amino acids were essential for the evolution of ancient proteins, which then shaped the genetic code of microorganisms. This discovery sheds light on the mystery of how life began on Earth and has implications for understanding evolution and potentially finding life beyond our planet.
SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023
Archaeologists have discovered the earliest example of angular notched trephination, a type of cranial surgery, in the Ancient Near East. The discovery, made at Megiddo, Israel, suggests that one brother may have had leprosy, making them potentially among the earliest documented examples of the disease.
SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeCase study·DateFeb 22, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Researchers analyzed chemical residues in ancient vessels to identify specific embalming ingredients, including unexpected global sources like tropical Africa and Southeast Asia. The findings shed new light on the global trade relationships involved in ancient Egyptian mummification.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateFeb 2, 2023
Researchers applied deep learning techniques to a previously studied dataset of nearby stars, uncovering eight previously unidentified signals of interest. The new approach enabled faster and more accurate results, with the potential to accelerate discovery of extraterrestrial life.
SourceSETI Institute·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 30, 2023
Researchers at Linköping University found that climate fluctuations and agriculture coincided with the rise and fall of Persian Empires in southeastern Iran. The study suggests that climate played a crucial role in shaping these civilizations.
SourceLinköping University·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateJan 17, 2023
Researchers analyzed 100 ancient genomes to understand kinship and marriage rules in Minoan Crete and Mycenaean Greece. They found that cousin marriages were common, with over 90% of sons marrying within their own family's hamlet.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 16, 2023
Researchers analyzed ancient genomes from ten individuals up to 7,500 years old in Siberia, revealing a previously unknown hunter-gatherer population that contributed to many contemporaneous and subsequent populations across North Asia. The genetic data show a mix of paleo-Siberian and Ancient North Eurasian people, with links to hunte...
SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers advocate for descendant community involvement in ancient DNA research to ensure benefits and risks are shared fairly. Without such guidance, the science can be exploitative, perpetuating colonial practices and harming modern Indigenous groups.
SourceCell Press·JournalHuman Genetics and Genomics Advances·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 11, 2023
Researchers uncover ancient manufacturing strategy that incorporates self-healing functionalities into Roman concrete. Hot mixing process allows for faster construction and enhanced durability through spontaneous cracking and recrystallization.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 6, 2023
A new study analyzes 48 ancient human genomes and over 16,500 modern Scandinavian genomes to reconstruct the region's genetic history. The research shows that ancestries introduced during the Viking period later declined, suggesting ancient immigrants contributed proportionately less to the modern gene pool.
SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023
A new study pinpoints the first-ever domestication of cats to nearly 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region. Genetic analysis reveals that humans' transition from hunter-gatherers to farmers sparked the bond between humans and rodents-eating cats, leading to their migration with humans worldwide.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalHeredity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
A team of scientists analyzed ancient DNA from medieval German Jews and found that the Ashkenazi Jewish community was more genetically diverse than modern-day Jews. The study suggests that the founder event occurred before the 14th century, with a small population giving rise to the modern Ashkenazi Jewish population.
SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2022
The Qatar Genome Program aims to decipher the genetic makeup of Middle Eastern populations and build a foundation for precision medicine. With over 30,000 whole genomes collected, researchers are mining genomic data to produce meaningful findings and promote international collaboration.
SourceQatar Foundation·JournalNature Genetics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 29, 2022
A new UNLV study compares ancient and modern ocean ecosystems, finding that ancient food webs varied greatly from today's systems. The research highlights the importance of understanding trophic position in community evolution and has implications for conservation efforts and policy.
SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2022
During the Devonian Period, six significant marine extinctions occurred, coinciding with the rapid evolution and spread of complex land plants. Elevated phosphorus levels in ancient lake deposits suggest a massive increase in terrestrial nutrient export, potentially leading to eutrophication and catastrophic ocean oxygen depletion.
SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateNov 10, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers used DNA from two ancient human individuals to unravel the deep demographic history of South America, providing new genetic evidence supporting existing archaeological data. They also discovered migrations along the Atlantic coast for the first time and found evidence of Neanderthal ancestry within ancient genomes.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 1, 2022
Researchers have discovered over 50 cases of a rare genetic variant becoming prevalent in ancient human groups, revealing new insights into human adaptation. By comparing modern and ancient genomes, the study sheds light on the role of environmental pressures in shaping human evolution.
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2022
Ancient tree conservation is crucial for maintaining ecosystem integrity and mitigating climate change. The researchers propose a two-pronged approach to protect these trees, including germplasm conservation and forest rewilding.
SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 19, 2022
Climate change threatens societal capacity, leading to governance failures and basic necessities shortages. The authors propose three collapse scenarios: direct effects, indirect impacts on trade and international cooperation, and decreased adaptability.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 6, 2022
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers Anabel Ford and Mattanjah de Vries reveals that cacao was accessible to the general populace and used in celebrations at all levels of ancient Maya society. The analysis of 54 archaeological ceramic sherds from El Pilar, Belize, found evidence of cacao residues in all vessel types, including ...
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Researchers discovered that ancient Maya cities in Mesoamerica were heavily polluted with mercury, contaminating the soil and water. The pollution was caused by the frequent use of mercury and cinnabar paints, powders, and other products, which leached into the environment and pose a potential health hazard today.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 23, 2022
Sturt Manning's statistical analysis has narrowed the time range for the Thera volcano eruption to between 1609–1560 BCE with a 95.4% probability. This new timeline synchronizes Eastern Mediterranean civilizations and rules out ancillary theories, potentially rewriting history.
A recent study by Dr Joseph Michalski from HKU suggests that the number of ancient Martian lakes may have been significantly overestimated. The analysis of satellite data reveals evidence for smaller lakes on Mars, which could contain critical information about past climates.
SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2022
Researchers discovered the Griffin Warrior likely grew up near the seaside city he would rule and was from wealthier social status. Ancient DNA analysis showed that around 5,000 years ago, people with ancestry from Eastern Europe spread across the European continent and into Western Asia.
SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
The study provides a detailed genomic history of the Southern Arc from Neolithic to Ottoman periods, revealing complex migrations and population interactions. The analysis challenges previous modern population history and ancient writings, suggesting an inaccurate picture of early Indo-European cultures.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 2022
Researchers from the University of Cambridge's CSER highlight the need for improved surveillance and public education to mitigate the impact of volcanic eruptions. The risk of a magnitude seven explosion in the next 100 years is one-in-six, with potential consequences including abrupt climate change and collapse of civilizations.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2022
A new study reveals key clues about the form of the most ancestral nervous system and how it first evolved. Researchers found that neurons, possibly the most complicated cell type ever to evolve, share similar structures with comb jellies and other ancient animal lineages.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022
Scientists uncover ancient herpes DNA, revealing the virus's prehistoric origins around 5,000 years ago. The discovery suggests a link between the emergence of facial herpes and cultural practices like romantic and sexual kissing in Europe during the Bronze Age.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 2022
A team of scholars at the University of Bologna revived and studied ancient alchemical texts, then put procedures into practice in the laboratory. The results revealed unexpected methods for mercury extraction and the use of substances like natron and iron in sublimation processes.
SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
Researchers have uncovered thousands of artifacts along Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, shedding new light on the ancient Maya people who lived in a dynamic interplay between social and natural processes. The project has provided valuable insights into how the Maya adapted to environmental changes, such as rising sea levels, and offers a m...
SourceGeorgia State University·JournalThe Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 7, 2022