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Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its rock-cut architecture, with the Treasury, or Al-Khazneh, being one of its most iconic structures. This newly discovered tomb adds another layer to the city’s already rich historical narrative. Archaeologists discovered several artefacts inside the tomb, including pottery, jewellery, and a ceramic chalice. These items helped researchers date the tomb to between the mid-first century B.C. and the early second century A.D.

The artefacts provide important clues about the Nabataean society’s cultural practices and beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife. According to Tim Kinnaird from the University  of St Andrews, the artefacts found in the tomb help piece together the broader picture of Nabataean life and customs. Pottery, in particular, gives insights into their daily life and trade practices.

Shedding New Light on Petra’s History

Despite extensive exploration over the years, Petra continues to reveal new secrets. This tomb is among the few complete Nabataean burials ever discovered. Experts believe it could provide crucial information about the people who lived and died in this ancient city. Megan Perry, an archaeologist from East Carolina University, highlighted that Petra, though well-researched, still holds many surprises. Future studies on the tomb could help reveal more about the identities and lives of those buried beneath the Treasury.

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Surprising Findings about Ancient Humans in the Last Ice Age

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October 18, 2024

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Surprising Findings about Ancient Humans in the Last Ice Age

Recent research challenges the prevailing theories about human migration during the last ice age, suggesting that some ancient humans thrived in Central Europe’s frigid environment. Previous studies posited that our ancestors retreated to southern Europe, but this new investigation utilising genetic data reveals a different narrative. This study was led by Oxala García-Rodríguez at Bournemouth University, focusing on the genetic history of various species to better understand human adaptation to climate challenges.

Resilience in Harsh Climates

The research found that while many mammals sought refuge in warmer areas, humans displayed a unique pattern of resilience, akin to that of brown bears and wolves. This adaptability suggests that ancient humans relied on their omnivorous diet and developed technologies, such as clothing and fire, to withstand harsh climates. The study analysed the genetic history of 23 mammals, including humans, and identified areas of high genetic variation in Europe, indicating long-term occupation by species.

Unique Adaptation of Humans

These regions, termed refugia, provided suitable conditions for survival during the last glacial period. It’s fascinating to see how these refugia allowed humans to thrive in an otherwise inhospitable environment. The genetic analysis pointed out specific adaptations that enabled humans to utilise local resources efficiently, thereby securing their survival in challenging conditions.

Implications for Human History

These findings have significant implications for our understanding of human history and biogeography. They highlight the capacity of certain species, including humans, to endure extreme conditions and adapt to their environments, prompting a re-evaluation of how we view past human migrations and climate resilience. As we delve deeper into our genetic history, it is essential to acknowledge the ingenuity of our ancestors in navigating the challenges posed by climate change.

Conclusion

This research not only enhances our understanding of ancient human life but also provides valuable insights into the resilience of human beings. Understanding our past can offer crucial lessons for facing contemporary climate challenges, underscoring the enduring adaptability of our species.

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Researchers Develop Jurassic Park-Inspired Method for Storing DNA-Based Data Safely



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Scientists Find a New Way to Store Data in Dna Safely and Efficiently

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October 18, 2024

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Scientists Find a New Way to Store Data in Dna Safely and Efficiently

Scientists have long been fascinated by the potential of DNA for data storage, which offers a compact and efficient alternative to traditional digital storage methods. Recent advancements at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have taken this concept further, drawing inspiration from the film Jurassic Park. In this film, scientists extract dinosaur DNA preserved in amber, allowing them to clone the creatures. This idea has sparked a novel approach to data storage that promises longevity and accessibility.

Encasing DNA in Protective Materials

One of the significant challenges in using DNA for storage is its inherent fragility. Factors such as heat and moisture can damage the genetic material, rendering it useless. However, researchers have developed a method to encapsulate DNA in an amber-like substance that mimics the protective qualities found in natural amber. This new material allows DNA to be stored indefinitely, safeguarding it against environmental damage while facilitating quick retrieval when needed.

T-REX: A Breakthrough in DNA Preservation

The method, known as T-REX (Thermoset-REinforced Xeropreservation), enables researchers to store DNA at room temperature, eliminating the need for freezing and reducing reliance on expensive equipment. This breakthrough makes DNA storage more practical for various applications, from archiving information to potentially preserving valuable genetic data.

The Efficiency of DNA as a Data Medium

The efficiency of DNA as a data storage medium is staggering. Researchers indicate that if all films ever created were encoded in DNA, they would fit within the volume of a sugar cube. By converting binary data into DNA bases (adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine), vast amounts of information can be compactly stored.

The Future of Accessible DNA Storage

While current costs associated with DNA storage remain high, experts believe that advancements in greener and more cost-effective methods will soon make this technology accessible for broader use. As research continues to progress, the potential for secure, long-term data storage using DNA could revolutionise how we think about preserving information for future generations.

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Scientists Scan TRAPPIST-1 for Interplanetary Radio Signal Using Allen Telescope Array



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Scientists Use Allen Telescope Array to Search for Signals in TRAPPIST-1

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October 18, 2024

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Scientists Use Allen Telescope Array to Search for Signals in TRAPPIST-1

Scientists have introduced a new method to search for interplanetary radio signals between planets in distant star systems, particularly when one planet moves in front of another from Earth‘s perspective—known as planet-planet occultations (PPOs). A team from Penn State, along with researchers from the SETI Institute, applied this technique to the TRAPPIST-1 system, located about 41 light years from Earth. This star system is of great interest as some of its seven rocky planets lie within the habitable zone, where liquid water could potentially exist, making it a prime target for such searches.

Search using the Allen Telescope Array

Over 28 hours, the team conducted the most comprehensive single-target radio signal search in the TRAPPIST-1 system using the Allen Telescope Array (ATA). The ATA, located at the Hat Creek Observatory, comprises multiple radio antennae specifically designed for detecting signals from extraterrestrial technology. The researchers scanned a wide range of frequencies, focusing on narrowband signals, which could indicate the presence of alien technology. Out of millions of signals detected, around 11,000 were shortlisted for further analysis, and 2,264 signals coincided with the predicted PPO windows. However, none were of non-human origin.

Future potential of signal detection

Nick Tusay, a graduate student at Penn State and lead researcher, explained that while no alien signals were found, the method holds promise for future searches. The development of advanced techniques and technologies, such as the upcoming Square Kilometre Array, could improve the sensitivity of signal detection. These advances may allow scientists to detect even faint signals from planets communicating with their spacecraft or with each other.

The research was conducted by a team of scientists, including Sofia Sheikh from the SETI Institute, and supported by grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation and Penn State’s Extraterrestrial Intelligence Center.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a press release)

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