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The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the study of ancient manuscripts, unlocking texts that have remained unreadable for centuries. From deciphering burnt Roman scrolls to analysing damaged cuneiform tablets, AI-driven tools are revealing new information about the ancient world. This advancement allows researchers to examine vast archives, identify previously unknown writings, and reconstruct missing text with unprecedented accuracy. Scholars are now equipped with more data than ever before, opening up opportunities to answer historical questions that were once out of reach.

Breakthrough in Herculaneum Scroll Deciphering

As reported by nature.com, AI has successfully revealed significant portions of Greek text. Computer scientists Brent Seales from the University of Kentucky and participants of the competition called Vesuvius Challenge, utilised advanced neural networks to detect ink patterns on the fragile scrolls. As reported by Nature.com, the February 2024 winning entry employed a TimeSformer model, revealing text attributed to an ancient Greek philosophical work. Federica Nicolardi, a papyrologist at the University of Naples, described the discovery as a “historic moment for the field.”

Applications in Other Historical Archives

AI tools are also being applied to diverse historical collections. Researchers in South Korea are employing transformer-based networks to translate the extensive records of the Joseon dynasty, written in Hanja. This system has expedited translations of state records, offering insights into the political and cultural trends of the era. Similarly, initiatives such as the Fragmentarium project at Ludwig-Maximilians University are using neural networks to identify overlapping cuneiform fragments, uncovering lines from the Epic of Gilgamesh and a previously unknown hymn to Babylon.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Concerns regarding accuracy and accessibility remain as AI enables rapid decoding of large text corpora. Experts emphasise the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and open-source data to ensure transparency and replicability. Brent Seales has noted to nature.com that the success of AI in these applications underscores its role as a complement to human expertise, providing data that specialists can interpret and analyse. As AI continues to evolve, researchers anticipate breakthroughs in decoding lost languages and exploring underground libraries, potentially reshaping the understanding of ancient civilisations.

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Are There Binary Black Holes at the Heart of Galaxies

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January 3, 2025

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Are There Binary Black Holes at the Heart of Galaxies

Supermassive black holes are believed to exist at the centre of most galaxies, including our Milky Way. However, in certain cases, two such black holes are thought to orbit one another, forming binary systems. These gravitationally bound pairs could provide significant insights into the dynamics of galaxy formation and the behaviour of space-time. Detecting them, however, presents challenges due to their nature, as they cannot be observed directly using traditional telescopes.

Gravitational Waves and Galactic Collisions

According to research, as reported by The Conversation, binary black holes can form when galaxies merge. During such collisions, the black holes from the merging galaxies are brought closer by gravitational forces. Eventually, they may create a binary system before combining into one larger black hole over millions of years.

These systems emit gravitational waves, ripples in space-time predicted by Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity. Observatories like the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) detect these waves, though pinpointing individual binaries remains elusive.

Evidence from Active Galactic Nuclei

Researchers have identified a potential binary black hole system in an active galaxy, PG 1553+153, as reported by The Conversation. Observations have revealed periodic light variations approximately every 2.2 years, which could indicate the presence of two orbiting black holes.

Active galactic nuclei, which emit immense energy due to gas accretion, often display such cyclical patterns. These patterns, however, might also result from other phenomena like jet wobbles, requiring further investigation.

Historical Data and Findings

As reported by The Conversation, they used archival data spanning over a century, a secondary 20-year light variation pattern was identified in PG 1553+153. This additional evidence supports the binary black hole hypothesis, suggesting the system includes two black holes with masses in a 2.5:1 ratio. Final confirmation, however, may depend on advancements in pulsar timing arrays to detect specific gravitational waves.

The study highlights how historical data and modern simulations contribute to understanding complex cosmic events. The findings advance knowledge of galactic evolution and black hole behaviour, with future technological improvements expected to refine these discoveries.

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Battle Site Between Alexander the Great and Ancient Persians Discovered

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January 3, 2025

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Battle Site Between Alexander the Great and Ancient Persians Discovered

The site of Alexander the Great’s decisive Battle of the Granicus against the Persian Empire appears to have been uncovered in northwest Turkey. Archaeologists have pinpointed the location roughly 10 kilometres north of Biga, where the famed confrontation occurred in 334 B.C. This victory allowed Alexander to establish a critical foothold in Persian territory, marking a pivotal moment in his campaign and reshaping the trajectory of ancient history. Evidence unearthed at the site includes remains of the ancient city of Hermaion, believed to have been Alexander’s final encampment before the battle.

Findings Based on Historical and Scientific Evidence

According to a report by Live Science, the team led by Reyhan Körpe, an archaeology professor at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, carried out extensive research to validate the battlefield’s location. Historical records describing the terrain were compared with modern geomorphological studies. These studies revealed that the Granicus River’s path has remained largely unchanged since ancient times, while nearby marshy areas were ruled out as potential sites for the battle.

Further supporting the discovery were findings from Hermaion, including graves unearthed by local farmers in 2024. Among these, human bones discovered on a hillside believed to have housed Persian Greek mercenaries were examined. While the absence of grave markers suggests an informal burial, tests are ongoing to determine the age and cause of death of the remains.

Next Steps in Excavation

Plans for geophysical surveys and detailed digs have been announced to explore the site’s deeper layers and provide more insights into this historic confrontation. The team’s work offers a glimpse into Alexander’s military strategy and the broader impact of his campaigns on ancient civilisations.

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Extreme Cold and Snowstorms to Hit the US As Polar Vortex Shifts

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January 3, 2025

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Extreme Cold and Snowstorms to Hit the US As Polar Vortex Shifts

An intense wave of Arctic weather is predicted to sweep through the eastern United States (US), with meteorologists warning of the coldest temperatures in more than a decade. A polar vortex surge, accompanied by significant atmospheric pressure changes, is expected to drive temperatures far below seasonal norms. Regions including the Appalachians, Great Lakes, and Northeast may face heavy snowfall and disruptive winter storms, while wind chills in the southeastern US could pose serious safety risks.

Record-Breaking Cold Weather Anticipated

According to weather reports, the polar vortex — a mass of cold, low-pressure air circulating the Arctic — has expanded southwards. This shift, combined with high-pressure systems in Canada, is forecast to bring sub-freezing temperatures as far as the Gulf Coast and Florida. Reports indicate that some areas might experience temperatures 17 degrees Celsius below average, with the potential for rare phenomena such as iguanas in Florida becoming immobilised by the cold.

Long-Lasting Arctic Conditions

As reported by Live Science, the Arctic blast is likely to persist through mid-January, with analysts projecting that January 2025 could rival the coldest months recorded in over a decade. Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather’s lead long-range forecaster, has highlighted the likelihood of multiple Arctic high-pressure systems descending into the US, sustaining the freezing conditions over several days to Live Science.

Potential Disruptions and Safety Concerns

Reports suggest that widespread disruptions are expected due to heavy snow and icy conditions. Power grids in vulnerable areas may face strain, while poorly insulated homes in southern states could suffer from frozen pipes. Analysts have also noted the possibility of record-breaking cold in states such as Virginia, Georgia and Florida.

Preparations and vigilance are advised for affected areas, with officials emphasising the importance of safety measures during this period of extreme weather.

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