Articles tagged with Ancient Science
This journal issue examines the evolution of traditional Chinese medicine through texts, practice, empire, and global cross-cultural exchange. Key findings include the gradual development of foundational concepts like the three yin-yang system and the concept of Du, as well as the role of medicine in political and social systems.
Researchers discovered that ancient humans used geometric principles to create organized and coherent patterns on ostrich eggshells, dating back over 60,000 years. The study suggests that this ability to organize visual space according to abstract principles is a key indicator of the emergence of abstract thought in human evolution.
Researchers from Kyoto University found that soaking sun-dried raisins in water can create wine. The process facilitates the growth of yeast and results in higher ethanol concentrations.
A new study suggests Caligula was knowledgeable about medicine, particularly medicinal plants like hellebore, contrary to the traditional portrayal of him as a bloodthirsty tyrant. The Roman Empire's Antikyra spa town was renowned for its perceived efficacy in treating various ailments.
Researchers at Ateneo de Manila University discover evidence of advanced seafaring and boatbuilding in the Philippines and Island Southeast Asia dating back to around 40,000 years ago. Microscopic analysis of stone tools reveals clear traces of plant processing, indicating a high level of technological sophistication.
A new study combines science and history to uncover new insights into Greco-Roman medical practices. Researchers recreated Galen's 2nd-century CE dissections, clarifying discrepancies in the text and shedding light on the enduring influence of ancient medicine on modern thought.
A new study from Tel Aviv University finds minimal environmental pollution resulting from ancient copper production in King Solomon's Mines, with pollution levels confined to smelting furnaces. Researchers also contradict previous claims of widespread industrial pollution, citing low levels of lead and other metals in soil samples.
Scientists use modern technology to analyze ancient ochre samples, revealing the material's origin and history. This helps them understand how human cognition and social networks developed alongside early technological innovations.
Researchers found that traditional handmade clay jars, called onggi, ferment kimchi faster and produce more beneficial bacteria due to their unique porous structure. The study highlights the connection between the earthenware's material properties and the fermentation process, providing new insights into ancient technology.
The Aztecs tracked seasonal variations in weather by watching the sunrise against the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Their agricultural system accurately fed a population of up to 3 million people before the Spanish arrival.
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.
Ancient Chinese scholars viewed sound as a means to assess cosmic qi and predict weather events. Jing Fang's tuning system, developed in the 1st century BCE, used acoustics to construct a closed cycle with reduced gaps, allowing for accurate seasonal predictions.
The exhibition features 48 works chosen from over 200 submissions, highlighting the aesthetic value of scientific images. The online gallery allows public voting for the 'people's choice' award, with cash prizes awarded to top three entrants.