Here’s How James Webb Space Telescope Helps Us Look Back in Time
An excavation near Leicester Cathedral has led to the discovery of a burial pit containing the remains of 123 individuals. The find, described as one of the largest mass graves from the period, dates back over 800 years to the early 12th century. Despite the scale of the burial, no evidence of violence was found, leaving researchers questioning whether famine or disease was responsible for the deaths.
The team, led by Mathew Morris, Project Officer at the University of Leicester Archaeological Services, concluded that the pit was filled rapidly in three successive deposits. Morris, in an interview published by The Guardian, stated that the bodies appear to have been brought in cartloads and dropped into the shaft within a short period. He estimated the buried individuals represented about 5 percent of Leicester’s medieval population.
Clues in Historical Records and Radiocarbon Dating
As per the report by the publication, tnitial speculation linked the burial to the Black Death. However, radiocarbon testing placed the deaths in the 12th century, predating the plague by over a century. Morris told the publication that that this raises significant questions as there is no clear record of what caused the widespread fatalities.
Historical accounts mention severe famines and pestilences in England between the 10th and 12th centuries, offering potential explanations. The discovery aligns with descriptions of repeated outbreaks of disease and hunger.
Ongoing Investigations and Genetic Analysis
Samples have been sent to the Francis Crick Institute in London to identify pathogens that might explain the mass deaths. The absence of clothing remnants suggests deliberate preparation of the bodies, with burial practices hinting at civic organisation even during times of crisis. The burial pit was discovered during work for a heritage learning centre, which followed the unearthing of Richard III’s remains in 2012. This excavation has revealed nearly 1,200 burials spanning over eight centuries, offering a unique glimpse into Leicester’s past.
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A breakthrough in biosensor technology could enable the real-time monitoring of stress and alertness in drivers and pilots. Developed by researchers from the National University of Singapore and Tsinghua University, the device, integrated into seatbelts, tracks heartbeat and respiration without needing direct contact with the skin. This innovation, detailed in Nature Electronics, promises to enhance safety in vehicles and aircraft by reliably gathering cardiopulmonary data even in dynamic environments.
The device incorporates metamaterials, which are advanced engineered materials, to optimise signal transmission. Conductive threads in a comb-shaped pattern are embroidered into the seatbelt, allowing radio waves to interact with the user’s body. Xi Tian, co-author of the study, explained that this design helps minimise environmental interference, such as vibrations from moving vehicles, while maintaining sensitivity to physiological signals. A processing system was implemented to ensure that the collected data remains consistent and reliable during motion.
Real-World Testing Highlights Reliability
Tests carried out in a car and an airline cabin simulator revealed the biosensor’s ability to conform to the user’s body and detect physiological signals in challenging conditions. It maintained accuracy during a 1.5-hour vehicle route in Singapore and identified heart rate variations in an aircraft setting, enabling sleep-wake detection. Tian highlighted that these results demonstrate the device’s potential for consistent health monitoring across varied environments.
Future Applications and Advancements
Further research aims to refine the technology for mass production, with a focus on compact and cost-effective designs. Tian stated that collaborations with automotive manufacturers are planned to validate the system in real-world applications. The development of algorithms to interpret data for fatigue and stress assessments is also in progress. This biosensor could become an essential feature in transport, helping prevent accidents by ensuring drivers and pilots remain alert.
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