Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt—255 compared to Egypt’s 138!
The pyramids in Sudan, located in the region of Nubia, were built during the Kingdom of Kush, an ancient civilization that ruled along the Nile from the 8th century BCE to the 4th century CE. Geographically, this corresponds to the northern part of modern Sudan.
Kushite pyramids are smaller and more slender in shape compared to their Egyptian counterparts. On average, a Kushite pyramid stands between 6 and 30 meters tall, whereas the iconic Egyptian pyramids, like the Great Pyramid of Giza, reach heights of up to 138 meters.
The Kushites began building pyramids approximately 800 years after the Egyptians stopped constructing theirs. Like the Egyptians, the Kushites used these monuments as royal tombs for kings, queens, and nobles.
One of the largest concentrations of Kushite pyramids is found in the ancient city of Meroë, which is home to around 200 pyramids.
Sadly, in the 1830s, many Sudanese pyramids were severely damaged by an Italian treasure hunter, Giuseppe Ferlini. Seeking quick access to their interiors, he destroyed the tops of around 40 pyramids using explosives, causing irreparable damage to these ancient structures.
Today, Sudan’s pyramids remain in a fragile state, suffering from the effects of wars and a lack of resources for preservation. Meanwhile, Egypt’s pyramids continue to draw millions of tourists each year, overshadowing the lesser-known but equally fascinating legacy of the Kingdom of Kush.
The pyramids in Sudan, located in the region of Nubia, were built during the Kingdom of Kush, an ancient civilization that ruled along the Nile from the 8th century BCE to the 4th century CE. Geographically, this corresponds to the northern part of modern Sudan.
Kushite pyramids are smaller and more slender in shape compared to their Egyptian counterparts. On average, a Kushite pyramid stands between 6 and 30 meters tall, whereas the iconic Egyptian pyramids, like the Great Pyramid of Giza, reach heights of up to 138 meters.
The Kushites began building pyramids approximately 800 years after the Egyptians stopped constructing theirs. Like the Egyptians, the Kushites used these monuments as royal tombs for kings, queens, and nobles.
One of the largest concentrations of Kushite pyramids is found in the ancient city of Meroë, which is home to around 200 pyramids.
Sadly, in the 1830s, many Sudanese pyramids were severely damaged by an Italian treasure hunter, Giuseppe Ferlini. Seeking quick access to their interiors, he destroyed the tops of around 40 pyramids using explosives, causing irreparable damage to these ancient structures.
Today, Sudan’s pyramids remain in a fragile state, suffering from the effects of wars and a lack of resources for preservation. Meanwhile, Egypt’s pyramids continue to draw millions of tourists each year, overshadowing the lesser-known but equally fascinating legacy of the Kingdom of Kush.
👍87👀22🔥18🕊8⚡7😁7
Forwarded from Pavel Durov (Paul Du Rove)
Following the success of the Chinese startup DeepSeek, many are surprised at how quickly China has caught up with the US in AI. However, China’s progress in algorithmic efficiency hasn't come out of nothing. Chinese students have long outperformed others in math and programming at international olympiads
When it comes to producing outstanding performers in math and science, China's secondary education system is superior to that of the West. It fosters fierce competition among students, a principle borrowed from the highly efficient Soviet model
In contrast, most Western schools discourage competition, prohibiting public announcements of students' grades and rankings. The rationale is understandable — to protect students from pressure or ridicule. However, such measures also predictably demotivate the best students. Victory and defeat are two sides of the same coin. Eliminate the losers — and you eliminate the winners ☯️
For many students, motivation to excel in high school comes from treating it as a competitive game, striving to rank first against strong opponents. Removing transparency in student performance can make school feel meaningless for ambitious teenagers. It’s not surprising that many gifted kids now find competitive gaming more exciting than academics — at least in video games, they can see how each player ranks
Telling all students they are champions, regardless of performance, may seem kind — until you consider how quickly reality will shatter this illusion after graduation. Reality, unlike well-meaning school policies, does have public grades and rankings — whether in sports, business, science, or technology. AI benchmarks that demonstrate DeepSeek's superiority are one of such public rankings. And more are coming. Unless the US secondary education system undergoes radical reform, China’s growing dominance in technology seems inevitable
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
👍75👀16⚡4🔥4
🚗 History in Motion: The Birth of the First Gasoline-Powered Car
On January 29, 1886, Carl Benz made history by receiving a patent for what is widely regarded as the first commercially viable gasoline-powered car—the Benz Patent-Motorwagen. This groundbreaking invention marked the beginning of the automotive era and set the foundation for modern motoring.
Benz's Motorwagen was a marvel of its time, featuring elements that are still synonymous with today's vehicles. It boasted a robust chassis, an internal combustion engine, electric ignition, a carburetor, a cooling system, transmission, and brakes—precursors to the sophisticated systems in modern cars.
However, one notable omission was a reliable steering mechanism. This challenge led to the Motorwagen's unique three-wheeled design, sacrificing a second wheel for better maneuverability—a clever workaround that highlights Benz's resourcefulness.
Over five years, approximately 25 units of this pioneering vehicle were produced and sold. Unfortunately, none have survived, leaving us with only historical accounts and a replica at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. This reproduction stands as a testament to Benz's legacy and the ingenuity of early automotive pioneers.
As we reflect on this milestone, it's remarkable to consider how far automotive technology has evolved—from the three-wheeled marvels to the sleek, efficient machines of today. Here's to Carl Benz, the father of the gasoline engine and the man who ignited the spirit of motoring innovation. 🚗💨
#Science #Innovation #CarlBenz #AutomobileHistory #MercedesBenzMuseum
On January 29, 1886, Carl Benz made history by receiving a patent for what is widely regarded as the first commercially viable gasoline-powered car—the Benz Patent-Motorwagen. This groundbreaking invention marked the beginning of the automotive era and set the foundation for modern motoring.
Benz's Motorwagen was a marvel of its time, featuring elements that are still synonymous with today's vehicles. It boasted a robust chassis, an internal combustion engine, electric ignition, a carburetor, a cooling system, transmission, and brakes—precursors to the sophisticated systems in modern cars.
However, one notable omission was a reliable steering mechanism. This challenge led to the Motorwagen's unique three-wheeled design, sacrificing a second wheel for better maneuverability—a clever workaround that highlights Benz's resourcefulness.
Over five years, approximately 25 units of this pioneering vehicle were produced and sold. Unfortunately, none have survived, leaving us with only historical accounts and a replica at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. This reproduction stands as a testament to Benz's legacy and the ingenuity of early automotive pioneers.
As we reflect on this milestone, it's remarkable to consider how far automotive technology has evolved—from the three-wheeled marvels to the sleek, efficient machines of today. Here's to Carl Benz, the father of the gasoline engine and the man who ignited the spirit of motoring innovation. 🚗💨
#Science #Innovation #CarlBenz #AutomobileHistory #MercedesBenzMuseum
👍53🔥17⚡2😁1👀1
Researchers at EvolutionaryScale have utilized an advanced AI model, ESM3, to design a novel green fluorescent protein named esmGFP. This protein’s genetic sequence is only 58% similar to its closest known counterpart, indicating a significant divergence that would have taken over 500 million years to evolve naturally. This breakthrough not only showcases the potential of AI in accelerating molecular design but also opens avenues for advancements in medical research and biotechnology.
livescience.com
New glowing molecule, invented by AI, would have taken 500 million years to evolve in nature, scientists say
An artificial intelligence model has created a new protein that researchers say would have taken 500 million years to evolve in nature — if nature were capable of producing such a thing.
🔥37👍20⚡5🕊5👀2
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Otter Gang Wars in Singapore
In Singapore, rival otter clans are battling for territory in the city’s waterways. These intelligent animals form tight family groups, defending prime locations through dramatic chases and skirmishes. As their numbers grow, so does the competition. Who will dominate the otter underworld?
In Singapore, rival otter clans are battling for territory in the city’s waterways. These intelligent animals form tight family groups, defending prime locations through dramatic chases and skirmishes. As their numbers grow, so does the competition. Who will dominate the otter underworld?
👀61😁47👍26🔥11⚡8🕊7
Watch Earth Live from the ISS – Now in 4K! 🌍🚀
The International Space Station (ISS) now offers a live 4K stream of breathtaking views of Earth! Perfect for a moment of meditation, the feed provides a stunning perspective from space.
The system includes three cameras:
🔹 A wide-angle view capturing Earth’s vast horizon.
🔹 A detailed view covering an area of 240×180 km.
🔹 A docking camera that monitors spacecraft arrivals and departures.
Since the ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes, the stream goes dark every 45 minutes when night falls. During these gaps or signal losses, previously recorded footage is played.
Tune in and experience our planet like never before! 🌌📡
The International Space Station (ISS) now offers a live 4K stream of breathtaking views of Earth! Perfect for a moment of meditation, the feed provides a stunning perspective from space.
The system includes three cameras:
🔹 A wide-angle view capturing Earth’s vast horizon.
🔹 A detailed view covering an area of 240×180 km.
🔹 A docking camera that monitors spacecraft arrivals and departures.
Since the ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes, the stream goes dark every 45 minutes when night falls. During these gaps or signal losses, previously recorded footage is played.
Tune in and experience our planet like never before! 🌌📡
YouTube
Live 4K video of Earth and space: 24/7 Livestream of Earth by Sen’s 4K video cameras on the ISS
Watch Earth Live and in 4K from Sen's video cameras on the International Space Station, downlinked via NASA. This is the world’s first continuous 4K livestream from space, empowering you to see our planet like astronauts do.
#ISS #SpaceLive #NASA #NASAlivestream…
#ISS #SpaceLive #NASA #NASAlivestream…
👍41🔥13👀7😁4🕊1
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
At this very moment, somewhere in the world, robots are being trained to replace athletes. Their training is based on datasets from Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. 🚀🤖 #FutureOfSports #AI
@science
@science
🔥60👀47👍32😁12⚡10🕊4
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
A Historic First: Russian Cosmonaut Defends Thesis from Space
For the first time in history, a Russian cosmonaut has successfully defended a scientific thesis from aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Hero of Russia Ivan Vagner presented his master’s dissertation remotely, with a live video feed shared by Alexey Komissarov, the rector of RANEPA. His research focused on improving the efficiency of government organizations, offering practical recommendations for optimization.
For the first time in history, a Russian cosmonaut has successfully defended a scientific thesis from aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Hero of Russia Ivan Vagner presented his master’s dissertation remotely, with a live video feed shared by Alexey Komissarov, the rector of RANEPA. His research focused on improving the efficiency of government organizations, offering practical recommendations for optimization.
👍68🔥32🕊12😁10⚡3
Crowd Movement Follows a Vortex Pattern, Physicists Find
Crowds don’t move chaotically—physicists from École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (France) have shown that large groups of people form rotating vortices instead.
The researchers analyzed crowd dynamics during the San Fermín festival in Spain, using balcony-mounted cameras and computational models. Unlike previous studies that treated crowds as clusters of individual agents, they modeled the crowd as a dense, fluid-like continuum.
As the crowd filled the square, it reached a critical density of 4 people per square meter, triggering the slow formation of overlapping vortices. When density rose to 9 people per square meter, new vortices appeared every 18 seconds. Interestingly, participants were likely unaware they were moving in circles.
🔗 Study in Nature
Crowds don’t move chaotically—physicists from École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (France) have shown that large groups of people form rotating vortices instead.
The researchers analyzed crowd dynamics during the San Fermín festival in Spain, using balcony-mounted cameras and computational models. Unlike previous studies that treated crowds as clusters of individual agents, they modeled the crowd as a dense, fluid-like continuum.
As the crowd filled the square, it reached a critical density of 4 people per square meter, triggering the slow formation of overlapping vortices. When density rose to 9 people per square meter, new vortices appeared every 18 seconds. Interestingly, participants were likely unaware they were moving in circles.
🔗 Study in Nature
Nature
Crowds suck people into a vortex — surprising physicists
Nature - Studying crowd dynamics could inform strategies that help to prevent dense gatherings from becoming dangerous.
🔥32👍21👀14⚡1
DARPA Plans to Build Structures Directly in Space
Instead of launching massive structures from Earth, DARPA’s NOM4D program aims to build them directly in orbit using advanced manufacturing. This could revolutionize space construction by eliminating launch constraints like weight and size.
- What will they build?
Large antennas, solar arrays, and reflectors—assembled or even printed in space.
This tech could lead to orbital factories and lunar bases, using materials from the Moon or asteroids. If successful, it’s a major step toward a true space economy.
🔗 More: The Debrief
Instead of launching massive structures from Earth, DARPA’s NOM4D program aims to build them directly in orbit using advanced manufacturing. This could revolutionize space construction by eliminating launch constraints like weight and size.
- What will they build?
Large antennas, solar arrays, and reflectors—assembled or even printed in space.
This tech could lead to orbital factories and lunar bases, using materials from the Moon or asteroids. If successful, it’s a major step toward a true space economy.
🔗 More: The Debrief
The Debrief
DARPA Program Plans to Build Massive Structures in Orbit with Paradigm-Shifting Technology
DARPA is testing new in-space manufacturing techniques that could enable the construction of massive, mass-efficient structures in orbit.
🔥45👍38👀12⚡3
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
How Tears Dry
Tears are 98% water, with the remaining 2% containing salts, glucose, proteins, and lipids. As they evaporate, water disappears first, leaving behind tiny crystalline traces.
Interestingly, emotional tears contain more proteins than reflex tears (like from cutting onions), affecting how they dry. A little chemistry in every tear! 🔬💧
Tears are 98% water, with the remaining 2% containing salts, glucose, proteins, and lipids. As they evaporate, water disappears first, leaving behind tiny crystalline traces.
Interestingly, emotional tears contain more proteins than reflex tears (like from cutting onions), affecting how they dry. A little chemistry in every tear! 🔬💧
👍160🔥35👀28⚡18
“Vacation-Style” Beaches on Mars?
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars, revealing evidence of “vacation-style” beaches with sand and waves. Using data from the Zhurong Mars rover, scientists identified hidden layers of rock under the planet’s surface, suggesting the presence of an ancient northern ocean. This finding offers the clearest evidence yet that Mars once had a significant body of water and a more habitable environment for life.
“We’re finding places on Mars that used to look like ancient beaches and ancient river deltas,” said Benjamin Cardenas, assistant professor of geology at Penn State. “We found evidence for wind, waves, no shortage of sand — a proper, vacation-style beach.”
The Zhurong rover’s ground-penetrating radar allowed scientists to explore the Martian subsurface, revealing formations similar to those found on Earth’s beaches. This discovery paints a picture of ancient habitable environments capable of supporting microbial life.
Read more about this fascinating discovery here: Penn State University Article
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars, revealing evidence of “vacation-style” beaches with sand and waves. Using data from the Zhurong Mars rover, scientists identified hidden layers of rock under the planet’s surface, suggesting the presence of an ancient northern ocean. This finding offers the clearest evidence yet that Mars once had a significant body of water and a more habitable environment for life.
“We’re finding places on Mars that used to look like ancient beaches and ancient river deltas,” said Benjamin Cardenas, assistant professor of geology at Penn State. “We found evidence for wind, waves, no shortage of sand — a proper, vacation-style beach.”
The Zhurong rover’s ground-penetrating radar allowed scientists to explore the Martian subsurface, revealing formations similar to those found on Earth’s beaches. This discovery paints a picture of ancient habitable environments capable of supporting microbial life.
Read more about this fascinating discovery here: Penn State University Article
👍48🔥27👀13⚡3😁3🕊1
Dark Matter: Measured at Last! 🌌
For the first time, scientists directly measured the amount of dark matter in our part of the Milky Way! 🛸 Using pulsars—spinning cosmic lighthouses—they detected the faint gravitational pull of this invisible substance.
🔬 The result? Less than 1 kg of dark matter exists in a volume the size of Earth! 🤯 Even though dark matter dominates the universe, locally it’s incredibly sparse.
💡 This breakthrough helps us map dark matter in our galaxy, refine theories of gravity, and better understand the unseen forces shaping the cosmos. The invisible is becoming visible!
For the first time, scientists directly measured the amount of dark matter in our part of the Milky Way! 🛸 Using pulsars—spinning cosmic lighthouses—they detected the faint gravitational pull of this invisible substance.
🔬 The result? Less than 1 kg of dark matter exists in a volume the size of Earth! 🤯 Even though dark matter dominates the universe, locally it’s incredibly sparse.
💡 This breakthrough helps us map dark matter in our galaxy, refine theories of gravity, and better understand the unseen forces shaping the cosmos. The invisible is becoming visible!
phys.org
Breakthrough enables measurement of local dark matter density using direct acceleration measurements
Dr. Sukanya Chakrabarti, the Pei-Ling Chan Endowed Chair in the College of Science at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), and her team have pioneered the use of gravitational acceleration measurements ...
🔥38👍21👀8🕊2⚡1😁1
🚀 Metal Made in Space Lands on Earth for the First Time! 🌍✨
The European Space Agency (ESA) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in space manufacturing! For the first time in history, a piece of metal produced in microgravity has been successfully returned to Earth.
This achievement is part of the ElectroMagnetic Levitator (EML) experiment, which studies the behavior of metals and alloys in space. In microgravity, materials can be created with properties that are impossible to achieve under Earth’s gravity, opening up new possibilities for advanced manufacturing.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in space manufacturing! For the first time in history, a piece of metal produced in microgravity has been successfully returned to Earth.
This achievement is part of the ElectroMagnetic Levitator (EML) experiment, which studies the behavior of metals and alloys in space. In microgravity, materials can be created with properties that are impossible to achieve under Earth’s gravity, opening up new possibilities for advanced manufacturing.
ESA
Metal made in space lands on Earth
The first metal 3D part ever created on orbit has landed on Earth.
👍40⚡17🔥12👀6