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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.
Score (98)
Why This Principal Handwrote 443 Letters And Gave Each Graduate A Dollar
Graduating seniors at Summit High School in Mansfield, Texas, received more than just diplomas this year. Principal Jason Mutterer, known to students as "Coach Mutt," took the time to write 443 handwritten letters—one for each member of the Class of 2025. Each note was accompanied by a single dollar bill, intended to symbolize the impact of small acts of kindness. During the graduation ceremony, Mutterer addressed the students directly. "I've done a small act of kindness by providing each of you with a handwritten letter and a dollar," he said. "But 443 random acts of kindness can start a ripple of positivity and an impactful change." The effort required over 24 hours to complete, but for Mutterer, it was time well spent. His aim was to demonstrate that individual kindness matters and that collective compassion can lead to meaningful change. Having dedicated all 23 years of his educational career to Summit High—beginning as a teacher and coach before becoming principal—Mutterer's gesture served as both a farewell and a challenge: encouraging students to carry forward the spirit of generosity into their futures.
Score (97)
Why A Cheese Wheel Worth Thousands Ended Up Feeding The Homeless
A wheel of Double Gloucester cheese, famously won in the annual cheese rolling race in Gloucestershire, England, is set to be served to homeless individuals in north London. Ava Sender Logan, a 20-year-old student from London, claimed victory in the women's race last month by tumbling down Cooper's Hill in Brockworth. Logan decided to donate her "delicious" 7-pound prize to the Refugee Community Kitchen. "I'm really happy people can try it," she said. The charity supports displaced individuals in northern France and homeless communities in London and Edinburgh. Sam Jones, co-founder of the kitchen, expressed gratitude for Logan's gesture. "We are deeply indebted to Ava for putting her life and limbs on the line to get the cheese," he said. Logan described donating her prize as a "full-circle moment." She recounted her experience racing down the hill: "I was trying to hold my head, stay on my feet as much as I could, but there's only so much you can do." Despite being bruised and battered, she emerged victorious without any broken bones. The Refugee Community Kitchen was established by four friends in 2015 and has since provided thousands of meals across London and Calais. Jones noted that up to 90 people around Archway will enjoy dishes made with the winning cheese wheel. "It's a really nice kind of full circle to have the cheese that rolled down the hill going into a cauliflower and broccoli cheese that's going out to the street," he said. "It really fills us full of joy and satisfaction to be able to do that.
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Score (92)
From Dentist to Dreamer: Matt Vogt's Emotional Journey to the U.S. Open
Matt Vogt, a 34-year-old dentist from Indianapolis, has achieved a remarkable feat by qualifying for the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club near Pittsburgh, close to where he grew up. Vogt secured his spot by winning a qualifying event at Wine Valley Golf Club in Walla Walla, Washington, on June 2. The significance of this achievement was not lost on Vogt. "I told you I was going to try not to cry," he shared with the Golf Channel. Reflecting on his journey, he added, "We stayed present all day. I knew I could do this... Oakmont, in Pittsburgh... it means so much to me." Vogt's path to the U.S. Open is especially poignant following the recent loss of his father two months ago. He wore a ribbon on his hat in memory of him and said, "This is him." Vogt fondly recalled their shared love for sports and how his father supported him as he pursued golf seriously. Despite the emotional weight of his father's absence, Vogt remains focused and excited about competing with top players. "I’m playing with the best players in the world," he said. "It’s just a dream come true." Vogt's journey will continue when he joins other competitors at the 125th U.S. Open starting June 12 and concluding June 15.
Score (98)
Long-Lost Childhood Photo Travels 300 Miles, Reunited With Siblings Thanks to Social Media
A childhood photograph of siblings from Cornwall, England, has made its way back to them after being discovered over 300 miles away in a charity shop in Lincolnshire. Chris Kirkum, 32, from Holsworthy, Devon, and his sister Jade Kirkum, 30, from Bude, Cornwall, were captured in the photo during their time at Bude Junior School. Years later, the framed picture appeared at an Age UK shop in Boston, Lincolnshire. It was shared on a Facebook group dedicated to unique charity shop finds. Jade Kirkum was tagged by a former schoolmate who recognized her. "I clicked on the link and couldn't believe it," she said. "It was us; it was the most bizarre thing." Chris Kirkum recalled his surprise when he saw the post while doing household chores. "I couldn't believe it," he said. "A photo of us from primary school, just sitting there in a shop hundreds of miles away." Chloe Poole, an administration assistant who spotted the post online, retrieved the photo from the store and mailed it to Ms. Kirkum. "I'm just glad she got it back," Poole said. "Photos hold so many memories." The siblings remain uncertain about how their childhood picture ended up so far from home but suspect it might have been donated by a family member. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Kirkum noted: "It just shows how powerful social media can be." She added that it's remarkable how the photograph found its way back to them.
Score (97)
Why The Strawberry Moon On June 11 Is A Must-See Event
As summer approaches, skywatchers are in for a treat with the arrival of the "strawberry moon" on June 11. This full moon, the last of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, will shine brightest at 3:44 a.m. Eastern time. Despite its name, the strawberry moon isn't red. The Old Farmer’s Almanac explains that Native American tribes like the Algonquian and Ojibwe named it to mark the strawberry harvest season. Europeans have called it "mead moon" or "honey moon," possibly due to honey harvesting. This full moon is one of the lowest of the year because it coincides with June's proximity to the summer solstice. As Live Science's Jamie Carter notes, when Earth tilts closest to the sun, full moons appear lower in our skies. NASA says this low position can give June's full moon a yellow or orange hue as its light passes through more atmosphere. Factors like pollution and dust can enhance this effect. It's important not to confuse this with a blood moon, which occurs during total lunar eclipses when Earth's shadow gives the moon a reddish tint. For optimal viewing, catch the strawberry moon rising at dusk on Tuesday evening. Mars will also be visible on June 11, adding another celestial delight to your night sky experience.
Score (97)
Meet The Adorable Highland Calves Stealing Hearts At Nashville Zoo
Two fluffy Highland calves have brought a delightful burst of energy to their new home at the Nashville Zoo's Historic Farm in Tennessee. The calves, Hubert, a white male, and Will-O, a red female, are just three months old and have quickly become the latest attractions. A video capturing their playful antics shows the young duo energetically charging around the yard alongside Hamish, a five-and-a-half-month-old calf who joined the zoo earlier this year. All three calves hail from the same farm and proudly display the distinctive features of their breed: long horns and shaggy coats. Highland cattle, native to Scotland, are celebrated as the oldest registered cattle breed in the world. They are renowned for their hardy nature and gentle temperament, making them favorites among visitors. The Nashville Zoo is thrilled to welcome these charming additions. "Their playful nature is infectious," said a zoo spokesperson. "Visitors can't help but smile when they see them."
Score (97)
Trimming Rhino Horns Slashes Poaching by 78%: A Simple Yet Powerful Solution
In a groundbreaking effort to protect endangered rhinoceroses, conservationists in South Africa have discovered that trimming the animals' horns can significantly reduce poaching rates. Across 11 nature reserves, dehorning black and white rhinos led to a dramatic 78 percent decrease in poaching incidents, according to researchers from Nelson Mandela University. "Dehorning rhinos to reduce incentives for poaching – with 2,284 rhinos dehorned across eight reserves – was found to achieve a 78 percent reduction in poaching, using just 1.2 percent of the overall rhino protection budget," said Tim Kuiper, a conservation biologist at the university. Rhino horns are made of keratin, similar to human fingernails and hair. Despite lacking scientific evidence of medicinal value, demand remains high in some cultures. This demand has pushed many rhino species toward extinction. The study analyzed anti-poaching strategies across the Greater Kruger area, home to about 25 percent of Africa's rhinos, documenting nearly 2,000 poaching deaths between 2017 and 2023. Traditional methods like increased ranger presence and surveillance resulted in around 700 arrests but did not significantly curb killings due to issues like law enforcement corruption. Dehorning emerged as an effective deterrent without harming the animals; it’s akin to trimming nails or cutting hair. However, because horns regrow over time, some dehorned rhinos were still targeted by poachers. "It may be best," Kuiper wrote on The Conversation, "to think of dehorning as a very effective but short-term solution that buys us time." The research team dedicated their work to Sharon Haussmann of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation for her pivotal role in this initiative.
Score (97)
Rare Black Iceberg Spotted Off Labrador Coast: A 100,000-Year-Old Mystery?
A rare black iceberg has captured the internet's attention after Hallur Antoniussen, a fish harvester from Carbonear, Newfoundland and Labrador, snapped a photo while fishing for shrimp. Originally from the Faroe Islands, Antoniussen was working aboard the Saputi factory freezer trawler off Labrador's coast in mid-May when he spotted the unusual sight. "I have seen icebergs that are rolled... This one here is completely different. It's not only that he is all black. He is almost ... in a diamond shape," Antoniussen told CBC Radio's Labrador Morning. The iceberg was discovered more than 100 kilometers offshore in the Hopedale channel. A crew member had counted 47 icebergs in the area just a day earlier. Antoniussen estimated its size to be at least three times that of a regular bungalow and captured it from about six kilometers away. "It's something you don't see very often," he said, explaining how he rushed to grab his phone for a quick snapshot. After sharing the image on Facebook, it quickly went viral with hundreds of comments speculating on its origins—ranging from aliens to volcanic ash. Lev Tarasov, a professor of physical oceanography at Memorial University, suggests volcanic activity or ancient meteorite dust could explain its color. He noted that similar smaller icebergs were observed during fieldwork in Greenland last summer. Tarasov theorizes this iceberg might be over 1,000 years old and possibly part of an even larger chunk before breaking off into the water. As it melts along its journey down Baffin Bay and Labrador’s coast, only "the tip of the iceberg" remains visible above water. Whether it's ancient ash or cosmic dust coloring this icy marvel, one thing is certain: it's an extraordinary glimpse into nature's wonders.
Score (97)
Lost Masterpiece: How This Forgotten Dutch Painting Shattered Auction Records
A dusty barn attic in Connecticut held a hidden treasure for nearly three decades. The painting, covered in layers of grime, was almost unrecognizable when it was discovered. "It was filthy, black, dirty," said George Wachter, chairman of Sotheby’s North and South America. Wachter suspected there was a masterpiece beneath the dirt and urged collectors Jordan and Thomas Saunders to purchase it for $2.2 million in 1998. They entrusted Nancy Krieg, a renowned art conservator in New York City, with its restoration. Using chemical solvents and soft cotton swabs, Krieg revealed a vibrant scene: a blue sky over the ruins of a church; enslaved individuals carrying baskets; and an array of exotic animals like an anteater and armadillo. The painting turned out to be "View of Olinda, Brazil, With Ruins of the Jesuit Church," created by Dutch artist Frans Post in 1666. Last month at Sotheby’s auction house, it sold for more than $7 million. Frans Post was born in 1612 in Haarlem, Netherlands. At age 24, he traveled to Dutch Brazil with colonial governor John Maurice of Nassau. Only seven canvases from his time there survive today. Post's work initially appealed to former merchants seeking accurate depictions of Brazil but later attracted buyers interested in its exotic allure rather than precise portrayals. "View of Olinda" showcases this shift with its imaginative composition featuring diverse flora and fauna against the backdrop of the Beberibe River under a clear sky. Before landing in Connecticut's barn attic collection owned by Parisians including Napoleon’s uncle Joseph Fesch—this piece had changed hands multiple times over generations. David Pollack from Sotheby's described it as "one of his greatest." He added that such views were Post's calling card during his career as an artist specializing in Brazilian
Score (97)
This Trailblazer Just Won a Prestigious Flight Innovation Award
Dr. Natasha Schatzman, an aerospace engineer at NASA Ames Research Center, has been recognized with the first-ever Alex M. Stoll Award by the Vertical Flight Society (VFS) in May 2025. This prestigious award celebrates professionals in vertical flight who excel not only in their organizational missions but also contribute significantly to the well-being and happiness of their colleagues. Dr. Schatzman's journey with NASA began in 2008 as a student intern while she pursued her undergraduate studies at Georgia Institute of Technology. She continued her academic journey at Georgia Tech, completing her Ph.D. dissertation in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in 2018. Currently, Dr. Schatzman is engaged in cutting-edge research on rotorcraft performance and aeroacoustics through experimentation and modeling at Ames Research Center. This isn't the first time VFS has honored Dr. Schatzman; she received the François-Xavier Bagnoud Vertical Flight Award in 2023 for outstanding contributions to vertical flight technology by a member aged 35 or younger.