The Origin of Bread: A Discovery 14,000 Years in the Making
In 2018, archaeologists made a groundbreaking discovery in the Jordanian desert: traces of a 14,000-year-old bread-like mixture. This astonishing find, predating the advent of agriculture by millennia, sheds new light on the culinary practices of ancient hunter-gatherers.
The site, abandoned in haste by its inhabitants, featured two primitive ovens where remnants of this ancient bread were found. Using a scanning electron microscope, researchers identified 24 charred fragments as bread, though the exact grain type remains undetermined. The cell structure of the grains suggests they may have been wild einkorn, rye, or millet. Likely, these were unleavened flatbreads, but their precise appearance is unknown.
This discovery reveals that the practice of bread-making is far older than previously thought, originating well before the development of farming. The Natufian culture, flourishing around 15,000 to 11,500 years ago in regions now known as Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, is credited with this early culinary achievement. These people had already begun settling in wooden houses, indicating a shift towards a sedentary lifestyle independent of climatic factors.
This transition to the Neolithic way of life—characterized by settled living, food production, and significant cultural changes—started before the end of the Ice Age. The intriguing question remains: why did these ancient people undergo such a radical transformation in their lifestyle and thinking? What motivated one of the most profound changes in human history?
@science #history
In 2018, archaeologists made a groundbreaking discovery in the Jordanian desert: traces of a 14,000-year-old bread-like mixture. This astonishing find, predating the advent of agriculture by millennia, sheds new light on the culinary practices of ancient hunter-gatherers.
The site, abandoned in haste by its inhabitants, featured two primitive ovens where remnants of this ancient bread were found. Using a scanning electron microscope, researchers identified 24 charred fragments as bread, though the exact grain type remains undetermined. The cell structure of the grains suggests they may have been wild einkorn, rye, or millet. Likely, these were unleavened flatbreads, but their precise appearance is unknown.
This discovery reveals that the practice of bread-making is far older than previously thought, originating well before the development of farming. The Natufian culture, flourishing around 15,000 to 11,500 years ago in regions now known as Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, is credited with this early culinary achievement. These people had already begun settling in wooden houses, indicating a shift towards a sedentary lifestyle independent of climatic factors.
This transition to the Neolithic way of life—characterized by settled living, food production, and significant cultural changes—started before the end of the Ice Age. The intriguing question remains: why did these ancient people undergo such a radical transformation in their lifestyle and thinking? What motivated one of the most profound changes in human history?
@science #history
👍58🔥12👀12🕊4
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Where is the frontier of neurotechnology today?
Consider this experiment: two healthy female mice are idly sitting in a chamber. Suddenly, magnets around the chamber are activated. The female mouse marked with green suddenly rushes to the distant mouse pups and brings them to safety. The other female mouse, marked with red, remains indifferent.
Scientists have triggered a specific behavior pattern—maternal care—in the "green" mouse. This was achieved without any cables or electronics attached to its head, solely using a magnetic field. They could induce other behaviors as well, depending on which neurons were targeted. Now, researchers can gather rodents in one place and simultaneously activate or deactivate various behavior patterns in different individuals.
There's no need to worry yet—turning a human into a zombie using magnets is still far from reality. However, we are now a step closer to treating brain diseases. This method allows for non-invasive and selective regulation of specific neural circuits' activity.
@science
Consider this experiment: two healthy female mice are idly sitting in a chamber. Suddenly, magnets around the chamber are activated. The female mouse marked with green suddenly rushes to the distant mouse pups and brings them to safety. The other female mouse, marked with red, remains indifferent.
Scientists have triggered a specific behavior pattern—maternal care—in the "green" mouse. This was achieved without any cables or electronics attached to its head, solely using a magnetic field. They could induce other behaviors as well, depending on which neurons were targeted. Now, researchers can gather rodents in one place and simultaneously activate or deactivate various behavior patterns in different individuals.
There's no need to worry yet—turning a human into a zombie using magnets is still far from reality. However, we are now a step closer to treating brain diseases. This method allows for non-invasive and selective regulation of specific neural circuits' activity.
@science
👍38👀10🔥5🕊2
👆 How the experiment works: Both female mice were injected with magnetic nanoparticles into their brains, but different receptors and ion channels were introduced for control. The “green” mouse has mechanosensitive receptors on GABAergic neurons in the hypothalamus, while the “red” mouse does not. These particular cells trigger the maternal care pattern—if they are blocked, the female won’t pay attention to the pups.
When the magnets are activated, the particles start to ‘tickle’ the mechanosensitive receptors, thus activating the cells. By choosing where to express the receptors, you determine which behavior pattern you will induce. The authors successfully controlled feeding and social behaviors selectively and reversibly, influencing the motivation system in freely moving animals. This innovation comes from Korea’s IBS, and you can find more details here.
It’s worth noting that the approach using nanoparticles and magnetic fields was pioneered by Polina Anikeeva (Russia). Unsurprisingly, the Korean researchers reference her work. Polina graduated from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and, as of July, heads the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT. 👏
P.S. Mechanosensitive channels can also be directly activated by ultrasound, bypassing the need for particles. A recent development from the University of Texas introduces a wearable miniature device for transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation. Weighing only 8.5 grams, it is compatible with EEG and simply attaches to the scalp.
These are just glimpses of what’s happening, and they already hint at the future.
@science
When the magnets are activated, the particles start to ‘tickle’ the mechanosensitive receptors, thus activating the cells. By choosing where to express the receptors, you determine which behavior pattern you will induce. The authors successfully controlled feeding and social behaviors selectively and reversibly, influencing the motivation system in freely moving animals. This innovation comes from Korea’s IBS, and you can find more details here.
It’s worth noting that the approach using nanoparticles and magnetic fields was pioneered by Polina Anikeeva (Russia). Unsurprisingly, the Korean researchers reference her work. Polina graduated from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and, as of July, heads the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT. 👏
P.S. Mechanosensitive channels can also be directly activated by ultrasound, bypassing the need for particles. A recent development from the University of Texas introduces a wearable miniature device for transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation. Weighing only 8.5 grams, it is compatible with EEG and simply attaches to the scalp.
These are just glimpses of what’s happening, and they already hint at the future.
@science
www.ibs.re.kr
New Technology to Control the Brain Using Magnetic Fields Developed
👍35⚡11👀6🔥3🕊2😁1
👍21
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
That moment when evolution took a wrong turn.
👀114👍86🔥38🕊19⚡2
This photograph is black and white, with only the lines on it being colored. Our perception system requires very little to construct a full-color image. The same principle applies to details—our eyes only see a small, focused area in detail, while the rest is filled in by our brain.
@science
@science
⚡79👀44👍34🔥18🕊3
Archaeologists May Have Uncovered the Site of Spartacus’ Last Battle
In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists may have located the site of Spartacus’ final clash with the Roman army. This potential revelation emerged from an environmental survey in Calabria, a region in southern Italy. While examining the forest, ecologists stumbled upon remnants of a moss-covered wall. They alerted archaeologists, who then conducted a comprehensive investigation using georadar, lidar, magnetometry, and soil analysis, complemented by extensive excavations.
The unearthed wall fragment stretches for 2.7 kilometers and was fronted by a deep trench. The absence of gate traces suggests it served as a defensive barrier to impede enemy advancement—a typical feature of Roman legion fortifications from the 1st century BCE. Surrounding the wall, researchers discovered a significant quantity of weaponry, including swords, javelins, and spearheads from that era. The sheer volume and distribution of these artifacts indicate a large-scale and bloody battle occurred at this site.
Scholars propose that this wall was constructed by the forces of General Marcus Crassus during the suppression of Spartacus’ rebellion. Barriers and trenches like this, extending approximately 30 kilometers, ultimately trapped Spartacus’ army on a peninsula, preventing their escape to Sicily.
Interestingly, Plutarch’s chronicle “Life of Crassus” describes such defensive walls in detail. According to his account, Spartacus’ battles with the Romans took place in this part of Italy in 71 BCE, culminating in the rebels’ defeat. Spartacus himself perished in the Battle of the Silarus River.
@science #history
In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists may have located the site of Spartacus’ final clash with the Roman army. This potential revelation emerged from an environmental survey in Calabria, a region in southern Italy. While examining the forest, ecologists stumbled upon remnants of a moss-covered wall. They alerted archaeologists, who then conducted a comprehensive investigation using georadar, lidar, magnetometry, and soil analysis, complemented by extensive excavations.
The unearthed wall fragment stretches for 2.7 kilometers and was fronted by a deep trench. The absence of gate traces suggests it served as a defensive barrier to impede enemy advancement—a typical feature of Roman legion fortifications from the 1st century BCE. Surrounding the wall, researchers discovered a significant quantity of weaponry, including swords, javelins, and spearheads from that era. The sheer volume and distribution of these artifacts indicate a large-scale and bloody battle occurred at this site.
Scholars propose that this wall was constructed by the forces of General Marcus Crassus during the suppression of Spartacus’ rebellion. Barriers and trenches like this, extending approximately 30 kilometers, ultimately trapped Spartacus’ army on a peninsula, preventing their escape to Sicily.
Interestingly, Plutarch’s chronicle “Life of Crassus” describes such defensive walls in detail. According to his account, Spartacus’ battles with the Romans took place in this part of Italy in 71 BCE, culminating in the rebels’ defeat. Spartacus himself perished in the Battle of the Silarus River.
@science #history
👍54🔥18👀4
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Witness the Northern Gannet’s Spectacular Fishing Technique
The northern gannet, a true master of aerial diving, catches fish by plunging from impressive heights—often over 30 meters—at astounding speeds of up to 96 kilometers per hour. These incredible birds can dive to depths of 15 meters, skillfully maneuvering underwater using both their wings and feet to chase their swift prey. Once they grasp their catch, they immediately surface, showcasing a remarkable display of agility and precision.
#WatchThis #NorthernGannet #AvianMarvels #NatureSpectacle
@science
The northern gannet, a true master of aerial diving, catches fish by plunging from impressive heights—often over 30 meters—at astounding speeds of up to 96 kilometers per hour. These incredible birds can dive to depths of 15 meters, skillfully maneuvering underwater using both their wings and feet to chase their swift prey. Once they grasp their catch, they immediately surface, showcasing a remarkable display of agility and precision.
#WatchThis #NorthernGannet #AvianMarvels #NatureSpectacle
@science
👍60🔥11⚡8🕊3
Iron-Clad Teeth of Komodo Dragons: A Fascinating Discovery
Scientists have recently discovered an iron layer on the teeth of Komodo dragons, the largest living lizards, which can grow up to four meters in length and hunt large prey, including Asian water buffaloes. Their teeth are incredibly sharp, serrated, and backward-curved, inflicting deep, jagged wounds on their victims through powerful neck and body movements. These formidable teeth resemble those of predatory dinosaurs, making Komodo dragons a valuable subject of study for insights into these ancient reptiles.
While examining museum specimens, researchers noticed that the tips and serrated edges of Komodo dragon teeth exhibit an orange hue, a feature observed even in very young dragons whose teeth are still developing and hidden in their gums. Chemical and physical tests revealed that this coloration is due to iron compounds, which concentrate in the functional areas of the teeth.
This iron enrichment adds strength and resistance to wear, potentially providing an additional benefit of acid resistance. Komodo dragons frequently regurgitate indigestible materials like hair and horns, exposing their teeth to stomach acid in the process.
Interestingly, Komodo dragons are not the only creatures with iron-reinforced teeth. Similar iron-rich coatings have been found on the teeth of other monitor lizards, some crocodilians, beavers, shrews, and even certain fish. However, the iron concentration in Komodo dragons’ teeth is notably higher. Researchers are now investigating whether this characteristic was present in dinosaurs, as clues for future studies have already emerged, though iron in the teeth of ancient reptiles has yet to be confirmed.
#Science #KomodoDragon #IronTeeth #Paleontology #Herpetology
Scientists have recently discovered an iron layer on the teeth of Komodo dragons, the largest living lizards, which can grow up to four meters in length and hunt large prey, including Asian water buffaloes. Their teeth are incredibly sharp, serrated, and backward-curved, inflicting deep, jagged wounds on their victims through powerful neck and body movements. These formidable teeth resemble those of predatory dinosaurs, making Komodo dragons a valuable subject of study for insights into these ancient reptiles.
While examining museum specimens, researchers noticed that the tips and serrated edges of Komodo dragon teeth exhibit an orange hue, a feature observed even in very young dragons whose teeth are still developing and hidden in their gums. Chemical and physical tests revealed that this coloration is due to iron compounds, which concentrate in the functional areas of the teeth.
This iron enrichment adds strength and resistance to wear, potentially providing an additional benefit of acid resistance. Komodo dragons frequently regurgitate indigestible materials like hair and horns, exposing their teeth to stomach acid in the process.
Interestingly, Komodo dragons are not the only creatures with iron-reinforced teeth. Similar iron-rich coatings have been found on the teeth of other monitor lizards, some crocodilians, beavers, shrews, and even certain fish. However, the iron concentration in Komodo dragons’ teeth is notably higher. Researchers are now investigating whether this characteristic was present in dinosaurs, as clues for future studies have already emerged, though iron in the teeth of ancient reptiles has yet to be confirmed.
#Science #KomodoDragon #IronTeeth #Paleontology #Herpetology
👍60👀15⚡5🕊3🔥1
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
CO₂ Emissions Over the U.S. Visualized by NASA
NASA has released a stunning visualization showcasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions across the United States. This depiction highlights emissions from both wildfires and human activities, as well as the spread of greenhouse gases. In 2021, the U.S. accounted for more than 12% of global CO₂ emissions. It would be fascinating to see this data on a global scale.
#WatchThis #ClimateChange #NASA #CO2Emissions #GreenhouseGases
@science
NASA has released a stunning visualization showcasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions across the United States. This depiction highlights emissions from both wildfires and human activities, as well as the spread of greenhouse gases. In 2021, the U.S. accounted for more than 12% of global CO₂ emissions. It would be fascinating to see this data on a global scale.
#WatchThis #ClimateChange #NASA #CO2Emissions #GreenhouseGases
@science
👍44👀26🔥16
Saturn at the Edge of the Moon!
Check out this breathtaking photograph capturing the conjunction of the Moon and Saturn on July 24th, taken by Chengcheng Xu. The image beautifully showcases Saturn’s proximity to the lunar edge, offering a stunning view of this celestial event.
@science
Check out this breathtaking photograph capturing the conjunction of the Moon and Saturn on July 24th, taken by Chengcheng Xu. The image beautifully showcases Saturn’s proximity to the lunar edge, offering a stunning view of this celestial event.
@science
🔥70👍27👀11⚡7🕊6
Male Jackson’s chameleons sport three impressive horns: one on their nose and two between their eyes. This unique feature gives them a striking resemblance to the iconic Triceratops dinosaur.
@science
@science
🔥68👍29👀15🕊7⚡4😁1
Rover Uncovers a Unique Yellow Rock on Mars
A Mars rover recently captured an intriguing image of a yellow rock, and later, it drove over a similar rock, breaking it into pieces. The second image, taken from a different angle, reveals the bright yellow color more clearly. Analysis showed that this yellow substance is almost pure sulfur—a discovery unlike anything seen on Mars before.
#MarsRover
@science
A Mars rover recently captured an intriguing image of a yellow rock, and later, it drove over a similar rock, breaking it into pieces. The second image, taken from a different angle, reveals the bright yellow color more clearly. Analysis showed that this yellow substance is almost pure sulfur—a discovery unlike anything seen on Mars before.
#MarsRover
@science
👍40👀19🔥13⚡6🕊5😁1
Our mind relies on the seamless operation of numerous small autonomous programs, much like this facial recognition software (try holding your smartphone farther from your eyes). Each of these programs works together to create the complex processes of perception and cognition.
#WatchThis #Neuroscience #Cognition #AI #FacialRecognition
@science
#WatchThis #Neuroscience #Cognition #AI #FacialRecognition
@science
👀60👍53🕊14🔥8⚡7
🚨 Breaking News in Dental Technology! 🦷
In a historic achievement, a fully autonomous robot has performed a complete dental procedure on a human for the first time. Developed by Perceptive, this AI-driven robotic system utilizes a 3D volumetric scanner for precise imaging, eliminating the need for X-rays. The robot can prepare a tooth for a crown in just 15 minutes, significantly faster than human dentists. This innovation promises enhanced precision, reduced procedure times, and improved patient comfort.
🔗 Read more
#Dentistry #Robotics #AI #Healthcare #Innovation
@science
In a historic achievement, a fully autonomous robot has performed a complete dental procedure on a human for the first time. Developed by Perceptive, this AI-driven robotic system utilizes a 3D volumetric scanner for precise imaging, eliminating the need for X-rays. The robot can prepare a tooth for a crown in just 15 minutes, significantly faster than human dentists. This innovation promises enhanced precision, reduced procedure times, and improved patient comfort.
🔗 Read more
#Dentistry #Robotics #AI #Healthcare #Innovation
@science
New Atlas
Fully-automatic robot dentist performs world's first human procedure
Nightmare fuel? Maybe – but in a historic moment for the dental profession, an AI-controlled autonomous robot has performed an entire procedure on a human patient for the first time, about eight times faster than a human dentist could do it.
👀41👍23⚡13🔥3🕊3😁2
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Elon Musk: Earth can sustain 10 times more people without harming the environment.
Elon Musk: “How many people can Earth sustainably support without causing what most people would consider significant environmental damage? If you really crunch the numbers, I think the potential is to support ten times the current population.”
Jordan Peterson: “That’s a very countercultural statement. Since the mid-1960s, the moral declaration has been that there are too many people in the world. I think Paul Ehrlich was a strong proponent of this view.”
Musk: “His analysis was very unscientific. How much land do we need to grow food? What impact does this have on natural habitats? What is the actual potential for food production? We are actually doing quite well with it and getting better. And is there enough water? Because the Earth is 70% water. There’s really no water shortage.”
@science #musk
Elon Musk: “How many people can Earth sustainably support without causing what most people would consider significant environmental damage? If you really crunch the numbers, I think the potential is to support ten times the current population.”
Jordan Peterson: “That’s a very countercultural statement. Since the mid-1960s, the moral declaration has been that there are too many people in the world. I think Paul Ehrlich was a strong proponent of this view.”
Musk: “His analysis was very unscientific. How much land do we need to grow food? What impact does this have on natural habitats? What is the actual potential for food production? We are actually doing quite well with it and getting better. And is there enough water? Because the Earth is 70% water. There’s really no water shortage.”
@science #musk
👍80👀30🔥22⚡8🕊4😁1
Color isn’t just about wavelength; context plays a crucial role too. For instance, an image of strawberries might appear red to us even if there are no red pixels. Our brains perform color correction based on lighting and familiar colors. This phenomenon showcases the fascinating interplay between objective reality and subjective perception.
@science
@science
👍111👀54🔥27⚡9🕊4