Connect with us

Published

7 months ago

on

Researchers at Kiel University, through a study published in Open Archaeology, have introduced a fresh method to analyse archaeological findings. By linking ancient societal structures with modern human development metrics, they have provided a new lens to examine prehistoric mega settlements. Their approach connects archaeological categories to the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI), paving the way for innovative interpretations of ancient communities.

According to the study, the research focused on the Cucuteni-Trypillia settlements, which existed between 5050 and 2950 BCE in present-day Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine. Spanning areas of up to 320 hectares and housing populations as large as 17,000, these settlements displayed signs of advanced social equality and technological development. The team, led by Dr Vesa Arponen and joined by Dr René Ohlrau and Prof Tim Kerig, explored the possibility that increased opportunities for personal agency might have driven innovation and population growth rather than external pressures such as climate change or resource constraints.

Capability Approach in Archaeological Analysis

The capability approach, originally proposed by Indian economist and philosopher Amartya Sen, was adapted to assess the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture, as per reports. This philosophical framework shifts the focus from material wealth to opportunities and capabilities that enable individuals and groups to thrive, as per sources. Dr Arponen explained in a statment that their analysis allowed ancient societal dynamics to be reframed through modern concepts of human well-being, as articulated in the HDI.

The researchers highlighted how indicators of innovation, such as advanced plough designs and weaving tools, were directly linked to a community’s quality of life. Prof Kerig in statement noted that by examining these archaeological markers, they can connect static material evidence with dynamic societal behaviour.

New Perspectives on Early Societies

The findings challenge traditional explanations of technological and demographic shifts in these ancient communities. Dr Arponen in a statement, said that it was previously believed that external pressures spurred these changes but their study suggests that the flourishing of these societies could be attributed to the expanded opportunities available to individuals.

Future research aims to apply this methodology to other ancient cultures, offering a versatile tool to reinterpret archaeological data while stimulating fresh discussions on societal evolution.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Science

Massive X-Class Solar Flare Erupts, Causing Widespread Pacific Radio Blackouts

Published

2 hours ago

on

June 22, 2025

By

Massive X-Class Solar Flare Erupts, Causing Widespread Pacific Radio Blackouts

A powerful X1.9-class solar flare blasted out of the sun’s active region 4114 on June 19, peaking at 9:50 p.m. EDT (0150 GMT, June 20), and led to a shortwave radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean and, in large part, for Hawaii. Although the flare was accompanied by a sizable eruption of X-ray and ultraviolet light, it did not appear to be associated with a very powerful coronal mass ejection (CME), so there will be no auroras for hopeful skywatchers at this time. The energetic flare, however, destabilised a substantial magnetic filament in the southern hemisphere of the sun, hinting at more activity to come.

X1.9 Solar Flare From Sunspot 4114 Disrupts Radio Signals, Sparks Fears of Future Geomagnetic Storms

As per Space Weather Live and spaceweather.com reports, the electromagnetic radiation from the flare reached Earth within minutes, ionizing the upper atmosphere and disrupting shortwave radio communication below 25 MHz. In the Pacific region, ham radio operators reported an abrupt loss of signals following the peak of the flare. That happens due to a powerful solar disturbance that collides with the Earth’s ionosphere, increasing electron density and weakening the ability to absorb high-frequency signals. The outcome is signal attenuation or loss, as normally occurs during periods of intense solar activity.

Solar flares are ranked in strength, and X-class flares are the most intense ones. The flares from sunspot 4114 — rated at X1.9 — are one of the strongest in the current solar cycle. It follows an earlier eruption from the same region just days ago, rated at X1.2. The region has now drawn close monitoring due to its continued magnetic complexity and explosive potential.

Although no CME accompanied the latest flare, experts suggest future eruptions from region 4114 could be more geoeffective. If a CME is launched in subsequent flares, geomagnetic storms and auroral activity may follow.

Space weather forecasts and aurora updates are available on NOAA’s 3-day geomagnetic outlook and dedicated solar activity blogs.

Continue Reading

Science

China’s Dragon Man Skull Found to Belong to Denisovan Lineage

Published

23 hours ago

on

June 21, 2025

By

China’s Dragon Man Skull Found to Belong to Denisovan Lineage

Dragon Man, a long-buried skull discovered in China’s Harbin, has been found to have its roots in the Denisovans, an elusive ancient human group identified in 2010. It was found by a labourer in the year 2010 and deliberately hidden in the well, and was later recovered in 2018. Its preservation led to the DNA and proteins to provide more insights into the ancient human species link of this skull. It is the most complete fossil of a Denisovan ever found, which dates back to approximately 146,000 years.

Hidden in Plain Sight

The skull was found hidden in a well by the labourer who discovered it during Japanese-occupied bridge construction. It remained there until he died in 2018, and later his family handed it over to Hebei GEO University. The preservation of the cranium led the scientists to analyse its proteins and DNA in the dental plaque, which overcame the previous challenges of extracting the genetic material.

Proteins and Plaque Reveal Origins

The DNA and proteins were analysed from dental calculus and petrous bone, respectively. Both sources matched the Denisovan specimens from Tibet, Taiwan and Siberia. These coinciding pieces of evidence confirmed that the Dragon Man is from the Denisovan lineage, marking a near-complete skull for this ancient human group.

A Denisovan Face at Last

Through its massive brow ridge, large brain and wide eye sockets, comparable to both modern humans and Neanderthals, Dragon Man has given Denisovans something that was impossible in the past because of the scarce fossil record found. The skull belonged to a robust male geographically adapted to colder climates. This gives an idea of Denisovan presence across the vast swaths of Asia at the time of the Middle Pleistocene.

Evolutionary Impact and Future Questions

Through this discovery, the critical gap in knowing human evolution in Asia is now occupied. It also proved that Denisovans were powerful physically and not just a distant lineage. Still some researchers wants to be more prcised in analysing the specific classification of whether Homo longi or broad Denisovan framework.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


Is Mars Really Red? A Physicist Explains the Science Behind Its Colour and More

Continue Reading

Science

Is Mars Really Red? A Physicist Explains the Science Behind Its Colour and More

Published

1 day ago

on

June 21, 2025

By

Is Mars Really Red? A Physicist Explains the Science Behind Its Colour and More

Mars has been inspiring human imagination for millennia, mainly because it has a reddish colour, which earned it the title “Red Planet”. Its colour was associated by the ancient Romans with blood and war; thus, they named it after their god of war. The redness is the result, scientifically, of iron oxide — rust that coats the surface of Mars. Yet images of the surface produced by robotic probes have shown a more subtle spectrum. Much of the terrain appears more like dusty tan or rusty brown. Even the poles defy the planet’s nickname, presenting as bright white due to water ice and frozen carbon dioxide that expand and contract with seasonal sunlight.

Mars Is Not Just Red: Telescopes Reveal a Complex Palette of Colors, Ice Caps, and Hidden Features

As per a recent article published by The Conversation and republished on Space.com, the iron-rich minerals of Mars have rusted, which is why it looks rusty. Like how iron and oxygen give blood its colour, Martian dust also rusts naturally. The polar caps, which are composed of frozen water and carbon dioxide and have a clearly different colour, are generally white. The sunshine prompts the layer of dry ice to sublimate and refreeze, making these caps expand and contract with the seasons.

Images taken by previous missions and rovers reveal Mars’s palette, but telescopes and spacecraft equipped with ultraviolet and infrared cameras capture false colour images, leading to some confusion about the true colour of Mars.

Spectral observations, infrared and ultraviolet images, and the broader array of the electromagnetic spectrum are assisting scientists in investigate Mars’ appearance, history, composition and potential past habitability.

Mars might still look red in the sky, but its actual narrative is rather more complex. Thanks to science and high-resolution cameras, our understanding of this neighbouring world is still unfolding.

Continue Reading

Trending