5,000-Year-Old Clay Bowls in Iraq Reveal Early Centralised Governance
Archaeologists have unearthed 5,000-year-old clay bowls at the Shakhi Kora site in northeastern Iraq, which could signify one of the earliest forms of government organisation, according to a study published in Antiquity. The site, located southwest of Kalar in the Kurdistan region, dates to the fifth millennium B.C. Researchers have suggested these bowls might have been used to distribute food, such as meat stews, in exchange for labour — a practice potentially tied to centralised authority during the Uruk period in Mesopotamia.
Evidence of Centralised Labour
The research, led by Dr. Claudia Glatz from the University of Glasgow, points to early experiments with hierarchical structures. Dr. Glatz, who has directed excavations at Shakhi Kora since 2019, said in a statement that institutional buildings found at the site featured southern Mesopotamian influences, including pillars and drainage systems. Beveled-rim bowls, commonly associated with the Uruk civilisation, were abundant and likely served meals to workers. Analysis of residues confirmed the presence of meat, indicating animal husbandry was integral to the settlement’s economy.
Abandonment Without Conflict
The site was abandoned by the late fourth millennium B.C. without evidence of violence or environmental catastrophe, according to researchers. It is believed the local population rejected centralised governance, opting to return to subsistence farming. Dr. Glatz noted this provides insight into how early communities resisted hierarchical control.
Perspectives from Other Experts
Although not directly part of the study, Dr. Susan Pollock of the Free University of Berlin, speaking to Live Science, highlighted the unusual lack of urbanisation in the region, suggesting a preference for decentralised living. Meanwhile, Dr. Glenn Schwartz from Johns Hopkins University remarked on the discovery of beveled-rim bowls across Mesopotamia, calling the findings about their contents an exciting revelation.
This study offers a glimpse into the complexities of early societal structures, raising questions about the acceptance and rejection of central authority in ancient times.
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Efforts to improve data centre efficiency have led mathematicians at Virginia Tech to develop a novel method of data storage and retrieval. According to reports, the researchers have utilised algebraic geometry to tackle issues arising from high energy consumption in data centres, which is impacting global climate goals. This breakthrough was detailed in IEEE BITS, where the team presented a fresh approach to managing the growing volume of data generated by individuals and corporations.
Innovative Use of Algebraic Structures
As per a report by Phys.org, tt was explained by Gretchen Matthews, professor of mathematics at Virginia Tech and director of the Southwest Virginia node of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, that conventional methods of data replication often result in duplicating vast quantities of information. As reported, Matthews noted that smarter alternatives could significantly reduce such redundancy. Hiram Lopez, assistant professor of mathematics, added that the new method employs algebraic structures to fragment data and distribute it across servers positioned in close proximity. This ensures that, in the event of server failure, the missing data can be recovered through neighbouring servers without extensive energy use.
Mathematics Behind the Solution
The use of special polynomials for data storage was highlighted as a significant advancement. Although polynomials have been linked to data storage since the 1960s, recent developments have made them more practical for applications like localised data recovery. Matthews pointed out in IEEE BITS that these structures offer an efficient and reliable way to manage data, addressing issues related to storage and retrieval energy demands.
Addressing Rising Power Consumption
The method arrives at a critical time, as energy demand across the United States continues to rise, driven by the increasing number of data centres. Matthews emphasised in the publication that sustainable improvements in existing systems could play a vital role in managing energy consumption.
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Research published in Physical Review Fluids has revealed the intricate dynamics between raindrops and leaves, shedding light on how plants withstand the force of falling water. The study, titled “Resonance and Damping in Drop-Cantilever Interactions,” highlights the mechanics that protect leaves and suggests innovative applications for agriculture and renewable energy. Using high-speed imaging, researchers observed the interaction between water droplets and a plastic beam, which simulated the structural behavior of leaves.
According to Professor Sunghwan Jung, from Cornell University’s Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, in a statement, the droplet and beam move in opposing directions upon impact. This counteraction reduces vibration, offering protection to the plant. The findings align with unexplained discrepancies previously noted by scientists, which the team analysed by examining the natural frequency alignment of the beam and droplet.
Insights into Plant Adaptation
Lead author Crystal Fowler, a doctoral candidate in biological engineering, stated that the study confirmed increased damping when the droplet’s natural frequency matched the beam’s. This phenomenon resulted in a faster reduction of vibrations, potentially reducing stress on plant leaves and contributing to their longevity. The findings may also enhance understanding of water flow through forest canopies and plant morphological evolution.
Potential for Renewable Energy Applications
The research team proposed that the principles observed could extend to renewable energy. Professor Jung suggested piezoelectric materials could replace the beam to harness energy from rain-induced vibrations.
This paper marks a significant milestone for Fowler, a member of the Navajo Nation. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed enthusiasm for exploring biological engineering and its broader implications. The study not only provides a glimpse into plant resilience but also opens avenues for innovative technology inspired by natural processes.
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