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How Scientists Brought Ancient Egyptian Blue Back to Life
Researchers at Washington State University have successfully recreated Egyptian blue, the world's oldest synthetic pigment, first used in ancient Egypt around 5,000 years ago. This breakthrough offers valuable insights for archaeologists and conservation scientists studying ancient Egyptian materials. The study, published in NPJ Heritage Science, involved collaboration with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian's Museum Conservation Institute. The team developed 12 recipes using various raw materials and heating times to replicate the pigment. "We hope this will be a good case study in what science can bring to the study of our human past," said John McCloy, lead author and director of WSU's School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. "The work is meant to highlight how modern science reveals hidden stories in ancient Egyptian objects." Egyptian blue was a cost-effective alternative to expensive minerals like turquoise or lapis lazuli. It was used on wood, stone, and cartonnage—a papier-mâché-like material. Despite its historical significance, knowledge of its production was largely lost by the Renaissance. Interest in Egyptian blue has resurged due to its unique optical, magnetic, and biological properties with potential technological applications. The pigment emits light in the near-infrared spectrum—useful for fingerprinting and counterfeit-proof inks—and shares chemistry with high-temperature superconductors. "It started out just as something that was fun to do because they asked us to produce some materials to put on display at the museum," McCloy said. The research team included a mineralogist and an Egyptologist who created 12 pigment recipes from silicon dioxide, copper, calcium, and sodium carbonate. They heated these mixtures at about 1000 degrees Celsius for up to 11 hours before analyzing them with modern microscopy techniques. Samples are now displayed at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Museum of Natural History as part of their new long-term gallery on ancient Egypt.
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Three Sisters, One Dream: How They United to Win Lacrosse Glory
Sisters Nicole, Ashley and Chloe Humphrey helped lead the University of North Carolina (UNC) to victory in the NCAA lacrosse national championship this May. The trio from Darien, Connecticut, played key roles in their team's undefeated season and shared their story. Nicole Humphrey, the oldest sister, initially began her college lacrosse journey at UNC before transferring to the University of Southern California, telling PEOPLE. She intended to play her final year there, but an injury brought her back to UNC, where she rejoined her younger sisters on the field. Ashley Humphrey started playing for Stanford, driven by academic ambitions and a love for Palo Alto. Despite her appreciation for Stanford, Ashley felt a pull towards UNC. Her decision led her back east, where she found herself alongside Nicole once more. Chloe Humphrey arrived at UNC as a top recruit in the 2023 class. After redshirting her freshman year due to a foot injury, she made an impressive debut on the field this season. Reflecting on their childhood in Darien, the sisters recalled their early days of playing lacrosse, inspired by their mother, who played at Dartmouth College. Their father was a basketball hall of famer at Middlebury College, while their grandfather had been drafted by the Detroit Tigers after playing baseball at Dartmouth. This athletic legacy clearly influenced their path. The sisters enjoyed only one collegiate season together but it was unforgettable. "To be able to share the season with them was nothing I could have ever imagined," Chloe said. "To then hoist the national championship trophy beside both of them was just an unreal feeling." With Nicole and Ashley’s college careers over, they look forward to supporting Chloe as she continues her time with UNC's team next season.
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This Skateboarder Just Completed an Epic Journey From England to Africa in Just 55 Days
A 21-year-old skateboarder has captured attention by skating from Brighton in the UK to Tangier, Morocco. Sam Allison covered about 2,415 kilometers on his board over 55 days. Along the way, he faced challenges like a downhill fall and having all his possessions stolen. Despite these setbacks, he remained focused on raising awareness for mental health. Allison's efforts have raised more than £5,000 so far for the Ben Raemers Foundation, a charity that supports mental wellbeing within the skateboarding community. Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, Allison shared how personal mental health battles inspired him to support this cause. "I had my own challenges with mental health," he said. "The skate scene is very tight-knit; it's very community-driven." The physical demands of such a trip were significant. Allison explained that he needed to cover between 48 and 88 kilometers each day. Initially tough, his body quickly adapted to the routine. "It was definitely harder at first," he noted, adding that daily skating soon felt normal. The journey wasn't just about distance but also about managing various terrains. While downhill stretches provided much-needed breaks—offering adrenaline and conserving energy—uphill climbs were less forgiving. A tumble down one hill left him with a scraped arm but otherwise unharmed throughout the trip. Setting an initial fundraising goal of just £100, Allison was surprised by how donations surged as news of his effort spread. By the end of his trek, contributions had exceeded £5,000. "On the last day I cracked over £5,000, which was crazy," he said. With all funds going directly to charity, Allison now faces another task: replacing his well-worn skateboard wheels. Reflecting on the state of his gear after completing such an arduous feat, he joked about their condition: "I did the one pair of wheels—I will say they're absolutely haggard."
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Unearthed in Poland: 6,000-Year-Old Tiny Statue Declared ‘The Find of the Century’
A Polish farmer stumbled upon what experts now call the "Venus of Kołobrzeg," a 6,000-year-old Neolithic carving that has been authenticated by the Polish Conservator of Monuments. This diminutive limestone sculpture adds a fascinating chapter to our understanding of ancient European societies. Aleksander Ostasz, director of the Polish Arms Museum in Kołobrzeg, where the piece now resides, couldn't hold back his enthusiasm. “I can safely say that this is the find of the century,” he told National Geographic. The discovery casts new light on the history of Kołobrzeg and indicates a more widespread Neolithic culture across Europe. Kołobrzeg is much further north than other sites where similar Venus carvings have been found. These figurines are usually associated with areas south and southeast of the Carpathian Mountains or in Anatolia. Consider, for example, the Hohle Fels Venus from southern Germany and Austria's Venus of Willendorf. The presence of such an artifact in northern Poland suggests a shared cultural symbolism among Neolithic communities. Marcin Krzepkowski from the Relicta Foundation emphasized how chance played a role in this remarkable find. “Sometimes spectacular discoveries are made by accident,” he noted to TV World Poland. Authenticating the figurine took time, but experts eventually confirmed both its age and place of origin. The Venus of Kołobrzeg resembles other prehistoric carvings with its pronounced breasts and voluptuous hips, typical symbols of fertility. However, it lacks distinct facial features found in some other Venuses. A microscopic residue analysis revealed traces of mussel and snail shells on its surface. Jan Orliński from Parsęta Exploration and Search Group explained that researchers believe it to be handmade and likely a symbol associated with Venus, traditionally seen as a goddess of fertility. The Polish Arms Museum plans to delve deeper into this artifact's history, examining how it was made and exploring if it had any decorative elements like pigments or markings with specific meanings. After undergoing 3-D scanning, this ancient piece will make its public debut at the museum this fall.
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The Unexpected Spice That Could Add Years to Your Life
Feeling the heat in your diet might be a good thing. Spicy foods, long celebrated for their bold flavors, may offer more than just a taste sensation. They could help with weight control and even reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., a food scientist from Mendocino Food Consulting, highlights capsaicin as a key player in these benefits. Capsaicin, found in chili peppers, can alter gut microbiomes by promoting good bacteria while reducing harmful ones. This change leads to increased production of tryptophan, an amino acid linked to mood, sleep, and digestion. Le suggests incorporating hot sauce into meals as an easy way to enjoy capsaicin benefits. "A good quality hot sauce should add both flavor and heat," he noted. For those new to spice, start small with pickled pepperoncinis before experimenting with bolder options like jalapeños or serrano peppers. For those ready for fiery challenges, scotch bonnets and habaneros await. But beware of Carolina reapers; they're considered among the hottest peppers globally. "Carolina reapers have been bred with heat in mind," Le warned. Ken Grey, an advanced practitioner and doctor of Oriental medicine based in Jupiter, Florida, agrees that spicy foods offer health perks. Following Eastern medicine practices, Grey believes spicy foods boost circulation and metabolism while aiding digestion and heart health. Chili peppers, alongside spices like cinnamon and ginge,r can assist with weight management by improving energy flow. Grey advises paying attention to the Scoville scale when selecting peppers; it measures spiciness levels. Bell peppers register at zero on this scale while jalapeños reach up to 8,000 SHUs (Scoville Heat Units). However, moderation is crucial according to Grey; too much spice can lead to discomfort, such as dry coughs or heartburn. Historical culinary practices also support these findings—cultures across Mexico use chili peppers to enhance iron absorption from their corn-rich diets, while many Asian cuisines use them for anti-microbial properties.
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Meet The Dog-Sized Dinosaur: A Newly Discovered Jurassic Mystery In North America
About 150 million years ago, a small, swift-footed dinosaur zipped across the floodplains of what’s now Colorado, darting between giants like Stegosaurus and Diplodocus. Now, scientists have given that little runner a name: Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae. In a study published this week in Royal Society Open Science, researchers confirmed the dog-sized creature as a new species, with its partial skeleton now on display at London’s Natural History Museum—the museum’s first new dinosaur exhibit in a decade. Standing about 60 centimeters tall and stretching nearly 1.8 meters in length, E. mollyborthwickae likely weighed around as much as a border collie. Its long hind legs, massive feet, and lightweight frame suggest it was built for speed—an essential trait when you share a neighborhood with enormous Jurassic predators. “It was clearly a small, wallaby-sized herbivore that scampered around the Late Jurassic countryside,” said David Norman, a paleobiologist at the University of Cambridge, in New Scientist. A mysterious runner from Colorado The bones of E. mollyborthwickae were unearthed between 2021 and 2022 in Moffat County, Colorado, part of the fossil-rich Morrison Formation. The fossils eventually ended up in a London art gallery, where paleontologists Susannah Maidment and Paul Barrett of the Natural History Museum were tipped off. With the help of donor Molly Borthwick—whose name is now immortalized in the species name—the researchers brought the skeleton into the museum’s collection. Originally thought to belong to a long-debated genus called Nanosaurus, the fossil turned out to be something new. The Nanosaurus classification, first proposed in 1877, was based on flimsy evidence. In contrast, the new find gave researchers a much clearer look. “As a result, it made sense to put Nanosaurus to one side and name Enigmacursor as a new species instead,” said Maidment in a museum statement. The genus name means “mysterious runner,” a nod to the dinosaur’s speed and elusive past. Why the small stuff matters Despite being discovered in one of the world’s most studied fossil regions, E. mollyborthwickae managed to go unnoticed until now, partly because paleontology has long focused on the showstoppers: the massive, the toothy, the towering. “Smaller dinosaurs are often left behind,” said Maidment. “There are probably many still in the ground.” That’s why the researchers say this finding is a reminder that even the little guys deserve a closer look. Overlooked fossils may hold clues to entire groups of species we barely understand. Barrett agrees. “When you’re looking for those very big dinosaurs, sometimes it’s easy to overlook the smaller ones living alongside them,” he told BBC News. “But now I hope people will keep their eyes close to the ground.” The team’s analysis revealed that E. mollyborthwickae was likely a teenager when it died. The top and bottom parts of its vertebrae hadn’t yet fused, a telltale sign it wasn’t fully grown. Its massive feet would have helped it avoid danger, while its small head, by Jurassic standards, suggests it wasn’t winning any dinosaur trivia contests. “It was probably not the brightest,” Maidment said with a laugh. Even so, its story is shedding light on the quieter corners of the Jurassic world and proving that sometimes, history’s most intriguing mysteries come in small, fast-moving packages.
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Historic Atlantic City Church Bricks Find New Home at the Smithsonian Castle
In a rare fusion of history and renewal, bricks salvaged from a 158-year-old church in Atlantic City are being sent to Washington, D.C., to help restore one of the nation’s most iconic buildings—the Smithsonian Castle. As demolition crews take down the First Presbyterian Church, they’re carefully removing its red sandstone exterior, brick by brick. The material, nearly a perfect geological match for the stone used in the Smithsonian Castle, will be repurposed to restore the 170-year-old building on the National Mall. “The Castle restoration project will preserve it for the next 100 years,” said Carly Bond, associate director of architectural history and historic preservation at the Smithsonian. “The building is the symbolic heart of the institution.” Built in 1855, the Castle was originally clad in dark red Seneca sandstone from a Maryland quarry that closed in 1901. When restoration plans required new matching stone, the options were limited—until a team member with ties to Atlantic City pointed to the First Presbyterian Church. Testing confirmed that the two buildings shared stone from the same formation. Constructed in 1867, the church had stood for generations before it was severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The congregation eventually moved out, and the building sat vacant for years before being deemed unsafe in 2019. Now, it's being demolished to make way for a new marijuana dispensary—but its sandstone will live on. “Salvaging red sandstone from the demolition of First Presbyterian saves this material from a landfill, but it really saves the Castle,” Bond said. Demolition workers from SJ Hauck Construction are using chipper hammers while suspended in bucket trucks to carefully pry the sandstone pieces from the structure. The stones are then sent down a chute, packed onto flatbed trucks, and transported 200 miles south to Washington. Once there, the stones are recut and reshaped to fit the specific needs of the Castle, originally designed by architect James Renwick Jr. The Smithsonian has purchased all of the available bricks and plans to keep a portion in reserve for future repairs. “This is so much more than a simple restoration,” SJ Hauck wrote in a Facebook post. “We are literally helping preserve history, brick by brick.” The Castle has been closed since February 2023 for what’s expected to be a five-year renovation. The overhaul includes restoring the Great Hall to its original 19th-century appearance, modernizing the building’s infrastructure, and improving public areas like the café and restrooms. It’s the Castle’s first major update in more than 50 years. The last renovation took place in the late 1960s. Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, writing last year, acknowledged the complexity of the Castle’s past. The red stone that makes up the Castle’s exterior was mined by enslaved people, and the building once denied entry to prominent abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Today, the institution is striving to tell a more inclusive and transparent story. “After nearly two centuries, the Castle remains an embodiment of the heart of the Institution,” Bunch wrote, “a majestic space where the past and future converge.” Thanks to a church in New Jersey, that convergence now includes a new chapter—one built from the very same stone that shaped its beginnings.
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Glastonbury's Tribute: How The Spirit Of The Clash Frontman Lives On
At the Glastonbury Festival, a small stage named Strummerville keeps the legacy of Joe Strummer alive. Overlooking a cluster of tipis, this stage is dedicated to The Clash's lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist who passed away in 2002. Strummerville isn't just any stage; it’s a space that celebrates the spirit of community and music—a sentiment cherished by Strummer himself. Lucinda Tait, Joe's widow, runs the show at Strummerville. She believes it "means everything" to keep his memory going strong at a festival he dearly loved. Unlike the larger stages, this one offers an intimate setting that encourages meeting people and sharing musical ideas. Visitors find themselves gathering around a circle of sofas by a campfire, reminiscent of the times when Strummer would bring his family here in the '90s. "The area between the two big stages was just purely for trucks," Lucinda recalls about those early days at Glastonbury. She describes how Joe turned it into a gathering spot for artists, security personnel, and stewards. "He was a big champion of giving people time, space and an opportunity to air their music or their views." This communal atmosphere still thrives today. Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis shared a unique bond with Strummer over the years. Lucinda says they were there for all kinds of weather—through thick and thin—and that there was mutual respect between them. Even though many criticized Glastonbury as just "a mud bath," Joe stood by it, strengthening his connection with Eavis. Joe only performed officially once at Glastonbury in 1999 with The Mescaleros despite being a regular attendee. Lucinda remembers him being "really hyped up before he went on stage." His performance turned out amazing but seeing him nervous showed how much it meant to him. Strummerville often hosts secret gigs alongside performances from lesser-known bands. As Lucinda puts it, these performers "are mainly not on the big radar," yet they draw in crowds eager to discover new sounds. Take Fat Dog’s recent performance: their energy made sure "the whole hill" was bustling. Fans of The Clash also make their way up to this special corner of the festival grounds; they're eager to share stories about Joe or reminisce about past gigs like ones from 1979 or Bristol shows they attended long ago. Strummerville has introduced younger audiences not only to Joe's music but also to his ethos—a testament that resonates with today's generation too. It attracts visitors who hang out enjoying both fresh tunes and classic tales tied back through decades past. And what would Joe think if he saw this? According to Lucinda: "Oh he'd love it. I don't think he'd leave the campfire."
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How This Adopted Pup Uncovered an $8,000 Treasure on His First Walk with His New Family
In Blackpool, England, a family pet named Ollie has turned into an unexpected treasure hunter. In 2022, Adam Clark and Kim Mcguire decided to surprise their daughter Alice with a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy. Little did they know, Ollie would soon surprise them as well. Lagotto Romagnolos are known for their keen sense of smell, originally used to hunt waterfowl in Italy's marshlands. Today, they're the only dogs bred specifically for truffle hunting. Ollie's instincts kicked in quickly during his first family walk when he started digging furiously in the park soil. To everyone's amazement, Ollie unearthed what appeared to be 15 sovereign gold coins dating back as far as 1489. The gold sovereigns first appeared under King Henry VII and were minted until 1603. Clark had the coins evaluated by a trusted gold dealer who confirmed their authenticity and valued them at nearly £5,944 (approximately $7,564). While it's unclear how much the Clarks spent on Ollie, it's safe to say they've recouped their investment with some extra change. Despite this remarkable find, Clark values Ollie's companionship just as much. "The treasure is one thing," Clark told The U.S. Sun. "But the fact is, I've bought myself my very own gold hunter." He expressed excitement about future outings with his special pup. Aside from potential treasure-hunting skills, Lagotto Romagnolos are also excellent companions. According to Dog Time, they're easily trainable, good with children, and have hypoallergenic coats that help keep allergies at bay, although they do need regular grooming.
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This Man is Set to Reunite With The Good Samaritan Who Saved His Life After a Heart Attack
Tommy Chan, a 39-year-old from Ottawa, ran five kilometers on May 20. That's about all he remembers of that day. He woke up days later in the University of Ottawa Heart Institute after what doctors say was a heart attack following his run. "I don't even remember the massage therapy or going to class beforehand," Chan said. "I just know nothing about what happened that day, or the next four." To piece together his lost memories, Chan turned to technology. His running app Strava confirmed he completed his run near Bronson and Carling at 7:50 p.m., while his Garmin smartwatch recorded a sudden spike in heart rate followed by silence—a timeline that matched when paramedics found him an hour later near Carling and Champagne avenues. While tech helped confirm some details, it didn't reveal who saved him. According to Marc-Antoine Deschamps from the Ottawa Paramedic Service, bystanders started CPR with guidance from paramedic communication officers before emergency services arrived and used a defibrillator. Chan's ribs are still sore, but they remind him of those who stepped in to help. Eager to thank them, he posted online with the headline "Did you save my life?" His post caught the attention of Tawnya Shimizu, a nurse practitioner who was with her daughter when they noticed a commotion around an unconscious Chan. "I could hear the 9-1-1 operator giving directions on CPR," she said. Her daughter urged her to help, so Shimizu took over CPR until emergency services arrived. "We wondered if he was OK and if he survived," she admitted. Cardiologist Simon Hansom emphasizes the impact of such actions: "Bystander CPR is the number one thing you can do to save people." He added that any attempt is better than doing nothing. After connecting online, Shimizu will meet Chan this weekend for the first time since that day. Reflecting on her actions, Chan expressed deep gratitude: "The biggest thank you," he said to Shimizu. She responded simply: "You're very welcome.
Score (97)
How Ancient-Inspired Art Is Cooling Our Cities Without Electricity
As temperatures soar across the country, many are seeking ways to escape the heat. While air conditioning offers relief, it also hikes up energy use and costs, making it less accessible for everyone. In a bid to find sustainable cooling solutions, architects and engineers are turning to ancient methods. At Virginia Tech, researchers have developed an innovative 3D-printed evaporative cooling system using hollow clay columns. These columns can reduce the surrounding air temperature by approximately 5.6 degrees Celsius. The process involves filling the columns with water and sand; as warm air passes through the porous clay exterior, water evaporates from the sand, cooling the air. The design has been adapted into a modern wall partition, demonstrating what researchers call "ancient cooling techniques." Specifically, this iteration uses evaporative cooling—a method utilized for over 4,500 years. Stefan Al, an associate professor of architecture at Virginia Tech, explained to Dezeen that they aim to harness these age-old techniques in a modern context while optimizing them further. Although mechanical air conditioning has overshadowed these traditional methods since electricity's advent, they are gaining attention again among those focused on sustainable architecture. "Ancient Persia and Egypt used this," noted Ilhan Farahi, an undergraduate involved in the project, speaking to Virginia Tech Magazine. He added that reviving this technique could help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This form of "free cooling" requires only water to function. Beyond room partitions, these columns could potentially be integrated into various interior objects like a "cooling chair" or even serve as building materials with dual functions. Brook Kennedy, an associate professor in VT’s School of Design, highlighted that their program uses code translating into 3D shapes with complex textures that enhance the evaporation process. The team has so far printed three prototypes in cylindrical shapes and assessed their thermal performance using infrared imaging. They observed different cooling effects but need to construct a full-scale model to comprehensively test its efficacy. Further development will require additional external funding and support. Kennedy emphasized humanity's growing awareness of its impact on the planet and the need for innovative solutions addressing global problems like rising temperatures and carbon emissions. The team is exploring forgotten technologies that were effective before energy consumption became widespread. Future research will focus on optimizing how the system functions around people. According to Al, pairing with a fan or placing it near strong natural airflow enhances its effect since it's not as effective as conventional air conditioning when used alone. Al also pointed out an aesthetic advantage: unlike hidden air conditioning units, this system is visible and can raise awareness of sustainable practices. “In contrast to [air conditioning], which is always hidden,” Al told Dezeen, “this could be beautiful.”