3,000-Year-Old Clay Figurine With Handprints Found in Italy
Archaeologists have made a significant discovery in Lake Bolsena, central Italy — a 3,000-year-old clay figurine — believed to represent an ancient goddess. This artifact was found submerged in the volcanic lake, which holds the remains of an early Iron Age village from around the 10th or 9th century B.C. The figurine, measuring approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) in length, offers a rare glimpse into the early practices and daily life of this ancient civilization. The discovery includes the maker’s handprints and impressions of a fabric pattern, suggesting the figurine was once dressed in a garment.
Archaeological Context
The figurine was unearthed by a team of government archaeologists of Italy and police divers at the Gran Carro site on the eastern shore of Lake Bolsena, as per a Facebook post by the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape. This site, which sank into the lake due to seismic activity, has been a focus of archaeological research since the 1960s. Findings from the site have previously included wooden objects, pottery, and jewelry, providing valuable insights into the organization and culture of early Iron Age societies.
Significance of the Find
The clay figurine’s crude workmanship and the fabric impressions indicate it was likely used in domestic rituals. Similar artifacts found in Iron Age graves suggest that such practices were widespread. This discovery is notable for its preservation of both the artist’s handprints and the imprint of the garment, offering a unique view into ritual practices of the time.
Broader Implications
Geologists have determined that Lake Bolsena formed between 600,000 and 200,000 years ago during volcanic eruptions. The sunken village, possibly built by the Villanovan culture—a precursor to the Etruscan civilization—has provided a wealth of artifacts that reveal much about early Iron Age life. The Gran Carro site is now part of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which aims to enhance the site’s accessibility for visitors and further research.
Ongoing Exploration
In addition to the figurine, the site’s Aiola structure—a large pile of submerged stones—is thought to have been built near a geothermal spring. This finding, along with others from the region, helps to piece together the historical significance of Lake Bolsena and its surrounding area throughout different periods, including the Roman era.
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Three live dire wolf pups have been born using reconstructed DNA. The extinct species had last roamed North America around 12,500 years ago. The milestone was reached by a Dallas-based biotech firm that focuses on genetic conservation. Ancient DNA samples from fossilised remains were analysed. Modern gene-editing tools were used to mimic key characteristics of the extinct predator. These pups were brought to life by implanting modified embryos into domestic dog surrogates. The young wolves have been named Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi.
Ancient DNA edited in lab to recreate species
According to a study shared by Colossal Biosciences, DNA samples had been collected from two ancient dire wolf fossils. One was a 13,000-year-old tooth, while the other was a 72,000-year-old skull fragment. These fragments were compared to modern wolf relatives and grey wolves were chosen for DNA alteration because of their evolutionary proximity. Gene sequences that were found only in dire wolves were isolated. These were introduced into the DNA of grey wolves through targeted editing.
Cloning technique used to implant embryos
The altered genetic material was inserted into grey wolf egg cells after removing their original nuclei. These prepared cells were placed inside domestic dogs. Each surrogate received multiple embryos. Interestingly, only one embryo survived in each of the first two dogs. Both gave birth by caesarean section, while the third pup was born in a second round of implantation.
Physical traits match fossil record
The new pups have been observed to develop features consistent with known dire wolf fossils. Thick white coats, larger teeth and body structure have been reported. These results came from identifying changes in 14 genes. The gene edits were introduced using CRISPR technology.
The same company had previously cloned red wolves. The team had also created “woolly mice” as part of a mammoth revival effort. The successful dire wolf birth marks a new phase in gene-driven species restoration.
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Lightning is commonly considered a sign of disaster in the forest, as lightning kills or damages trees. On the lowlands of Panama, the tonka bean tree (Dipteryx oleifera) might have evolved to capitalize on this natural occurrence. New research suggests that lightning strikes could help the tonka bean tree (Dipteryx oleifera). According to Live Science research, these trees not only survive these electrical interactions unharmed, but the lightning also harms their competitors and the parasitic vines that cling to the tonka bean plants.
The researchers published their findings on March 26 in the journal New Phytologist. Lightning is a major cause of tree mortality in tropical forests, particularly among the largest and oldest trees, which play important roles in carbon storage and biodiversity.
Lightning as a Canopy Weapon
On average, each lightning hit destroyed over 2.4 tons (2 metric tons) of adjacent tree biomass and approximately 80 percent of the lianas (parasitic vines) that plagued the tonka bean canopy. As per Gora’s assumption, the key to these trees’ lightning resistance comes from their physical structure.
A few studies describe the tree as having strong internal conductivity, letting lightning current flow through without building up damaging heat like a well-insulated wire. Because they tend to grow large — up to 130 feet (40 meters)—and live for centuries, a single tonka bean tree is estimated to be struck at least five times after reaching maturity. Each strike helps to clear out vines and competitors, opening up the canopy to help it thrive.
Ecological Impact and Evolutionary Marvel
Gregory Moore, a horticulturalist from the University of Melbourne who was not involved in the study, thinks the results will apply to other species. “The sort of work could also apply to other tree-dominated plant communities, such as woodlands or low woodlands where trees are widely separated, so it’s nothing like a tropical forest,” he said, adding that other tall trees are also possible targets of lightning strikes.
More Than Just a Tree
“We have long known that some trees can withstand multiple lightning strikes,” Moore said, noting that some tall trees survive Australian bushfires and grow up towering over their neighbors, making them prime targets for lightning strikes. “They are often referred to as stags because the top of the crown has been blown out, but they can survive for centuries after being hit by lightning,” he added.
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