Unveiling Secrets of a Lost Empire through Ancient DNA
Delve into the revelations from analyzing ancient DNA to uncover the mysteries of a forgotten empire. Discover the latest updates on Voyager 1 reconnecting with NASA, strategies for dealing with the arrival of cicadas, and more intriguing news.
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Scientists have the remarkable ability to uncover fascinating details about the past using just a tiny speck of bone.
Ancient DNA analysis has provided insights into the characteristics and heritage of people from the past, such as mummified icemen, Chinese emperors, and legendary composers.
Researchers are now using advanced techniques to study human remains from various burial sites, creating extensive datasets that enhance their understanding of how entire communities functioned.
The outcomes are particularly exciting when applied to shadowy empires of peoples such as the Avars, who didn’t have any written records.
Dig this
The excavations of the Avar cemetery in Rákóczifalva, Hungary, took place in 2006.
The excavations of the Avar cemetery in Rákóczifalva, Hungary, took place in 2006.
The Avars, known primarily from the accounts of their Byzantine adversaries, were formidable horseback warriors who suddenly appeared in Central and Eastern Europe in the sixth century.
The origins of the empire and its people were a mystery until a groundbreaking study in April 2022 revealed they came from the Mongolian steppe.
A recent examination of the excavated remains of 424 individuals from burial sites in Hungary has shed light on the family and social dynamics of the Avar community, as well as how they integrated with the local population.
The findings revealed a tightly knit population with marriage practices that aren’t common today.
Across the universe
NASA engineers have received coherent data from Voyager 1, humanity's most distant spacecraft, for the first time in five months. The probe is currently about 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers) away from Earth. Despite being 46 years old, Voyager 1 has exhibited multiple quirks and signs of aging in recent years.
In November 2023, Voyager 1 encountered a new problem with its flight data system. The telemetry modulation unit started transmitting a confusing repetitive code pattern.
The solution to this issue involved a smart approach of trial and error. The team was able to solve the mystery by tracking it down to a single chip.
Lunar update
An animation shows what a lava lake, called Loki Patera, may look like on Io’s surface.
High-resolution images taken during the closest flyby of Jupiter’s moon Io in over 20 years revealed its volcanic plumes, mountain peaks, and a glass-smooth lake of cooling lava.
NASA's Juno spacecraft, which began studying Jupiter and its moons in 2016, recently flew close to Io's surface to capture detailed images of the moon's northern latitudes. Io is known for its numerous volcanoes, and Juno was able to capture some of them erupting.
"Io is filled with volcanoes, and we were lucky to witness some of them in action," stated Scott Bolton, the principal investigator for Juno at the Southwest Research Institute.
Bolton described Io as “Jupiter’s tortured moon” because of the ferocious forces it regularly encounters.
Explorations
On June 8, 1924, George Mallory and his climbing partner Andrew Irvine were last seen by a teammate on their way to the top of Mount Everest. Sadly, they never returned alive.
Recently, Magdalene College in Cambridge, UK, where Mallory studied, scanned and made available online his letters and other writings for the first time. Now, we can read Mallory's words from the mountain in full.
Mallory’s letters detailed his careful planning and equipment checks, along with his positive outlook on their chances. However, they also revealed the challenges of mountaineering, such as harsh weather, health problems, obstacles, and uncertainties.
In his final letter to his wife, Ruth, dated May 27, 1924, Mallory mentioned that the odds were “50 to 1 against us” just days before he went missing.
Once upon a planet
A periodical cicada nymph was found in Macon, Georgia, while digging holes for rosebushes on March 27. Soon, billions of cicadas will emerge.
A periodical cicada nymph was found in Macon, Georgia, while digging holes for rosebushes on March 27. Soon, billions of cicadas will emerge.
Carolyn Kaster/AP
Naturalists have observed the first cicadas to emerge this spring, marking a historic event with the simultaneous appearance of two different broods. These cicadas are part of a rare phenomenon where two specific periodical cicada broods, which have not emerged together since 1803, are now emerging at the same time. This means that the insects will be spreading over a much larger area compared to previous years.
Get ready for the amazing natural event happening in over a dozen states in the South and Midwest.
Experts are sharing tips on what to expect and how to get ready. And for those who find cicadas bothersome, here are some steps to follow if bugs aren't your thing.
Discoveries
Check out these mind-expanding stories.
Boeing and NASA are moving ahead with a groundbreaking crewed launch of a new spacecraft following significant delays.
Surgeons have successfully performed the first transplant involving a mechanical heart pump and a gene-edited pig kidney.
Have you ever wondered which foods contain the most plastic? It may surprise you.
The Hubble Space Telescope recently captured an image of a glowing nebula being ejected from a dying star. This image may also provide evidence of stellar cannibalism.
Enjoyed reading what you just read? Well, there's even more to explore! Sign up now to get the next edition of Wonder Theory directly in your inbox. This exciting newsletter is curated by CNN Space and Science writers Ashley Strickland and Katie Hunt. Join us as we uncover the wonders of planets outside our solar system and fascinating discoveries from ancient times.
Editor's P/S:
The article explores the fascinating insights gained from the study of ancient human remains and the application of advanced techniques in archaeology. Scientists have uncovered the secrets of ancient people, including their characteristics, heritage, and community dynamics, providing a glimpse into the past that was previously inaccessible. The study of the Avar cemetery in Hungary is a notable example, revealing the family and social practices of a shadowy empire.
Moreover, the article highlights the ongoing advancements in space exploration and scientific discoveries. NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft continues to transmit data from the far reaches of the universe, providing valuable information about our place in the cosmos. The detailed images captured by the Juno spacecraft showcase the volcanic activity and unique features of Jupiter's moon Io. These discoveries expand our understanding of the wonders that lie beyond our planet and inspire us to explore the unknown.
