Secrets of Ancient Romans revealed by fast food find
Archaeologists analysing a trash pit in the ancient Spanish city of Pollentia (Mallorca) found evidence suggesting that commoners in the Roman Empire frequently consumed cheap fried songbirds at roadside fast-food shops.
The study, published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, analysed animal bones from a cesspit dating between the first century BC and the first century AD.
Researchers found that these fast-food joints, known as popinae and tabernae, served fried small thrushes. More than 165 thrush bones were found in the pit.
The discovery challenges the previously held belief that songbirds were exclusively a luxury dish for the wealthy.
Evidence indicates that food shops followed a standardised approach to preparing the birds, removing the sternum to flatten them for rapid cooking in oil.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geeky Gadgets
6 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Forget Lithium Batteries : Sodium-Based Fuel Cells Are Here
What if the future of aviation didn't rely on heavy lithium-ion batteries or complex hydrogen systems, but instead on a fuel as simple and abundant as sodium? At MIT, researchers are turning this bold vision into reality with a new sodium-based fuel cell. Capable of achieving energy densities up to five times greater than traditional lithium-ion batteries, this innovation could redefine what's possible for electric aircraft. Imagine a world where long-haul electric flights become not just feasible but efficient, all while contributing to environmental sustainability. Yet, as with any innovative technology, challenges such as power density and scalability loom large, demanding creative solutions and further exploration. In this breakdown, Ziroth uncover how this molten sodium-powered system works, why it holds such promise for aviation, and the hurdles it must overcome to take flight. From its ability to capture carbon dioxide to its dynamic weight-reduction feature, the sodium-based fuel cell offers a glimpse into a cleaner, more efficient future for air travel. But the story is far from complete—questions about environmental impact and thermal management remain unanswered. Could this technology truly transform aviation, or will its limitations ground its potential? Let's explore the possibilities and complexities of this innovative innovation. Sodium Fuel Cell Innovation The Importance of Energy Density in Aviation Energy density is a crucial factor in aviation, directly influencing the range and efficiency of electric aircraft. The sodium-based fuel cell achieves an impressive energy density of 1,000–1,400 Wh/kg, significantly surpassing the 200–300 Wh/kg range of traditional lithium-ion batteries. This four- to fivefold increase could enable electric aircraft to undertake longer flights, meeting one of the aviation industry's most pressing requirements. While increasing the sodium fuel supply can further enhance energy density, it introduces a trade-off: a reduction in power density. Balancing energy storage with power output is a key engineering challenge that must be resolved to make this technology viable for commercial aviation. Addressing this issue will require innovative design solutions and advanced materials to optimize performance without compromising efficiency. The Inner Workings of the Sodium-Based Fuel Cell The sodium-based fuel cell is built around a straightforward yet innovative design, consisting of three primary components: Molten Sodium Fuel: Heated to approximately 100°C (200°F), molten sodium serves as both the fuel and a critical element of the system. Heated to approximately 100°C (200°F), molten sodium serves as both the fuel and a critical element of the system. Beta-Alumina Solid Electrolyte (BASE): This specialized material allows sodium ions to pass through while generating electricity, acting as the core mechanism of the fuel cell. This specialized material allows sodium ions to pass through while generating electricity, acting as the core mechanism of the fuel cell. Porous Nickel-Based Foam Cathode: Assists the electrochemical reactions required to produce power efficiently. During operation, sodium ions migrate through the solid electrolyte, generating electricity as the sodium fuel is consumed. This design eliminates the need for heavy, pressurized hydrogen tanks, offering a lighter and more practical alternative to traditional fuel cells. The simplicity of the system also reduces manufacturing complexity, potentially lowering production costs and improving scalability. MIT Sodium Fuel Cell Explained Watch this video on YouTube. Dive deeper into energy with other articles and guides we have written below. Environmental Impacts and Sustainability One of the most compelling aspects of this technology is its potential environmental benefits. The sodium-based fuel cell produces water and sodium hydroxide as byproducts. Sodium hydroxide reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide to form sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda. This reaction offers two notable environmental advantages: Carbon Capture: The process could contribute to reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, aiding efforts to combat climate change. The process could contribute to reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, aiding efforts to combat climate change. Ocean Deacidification: By neutralizing excess carbon dioxide, the technology could help mitigate the effects of ocean acidification, a growing environmental concern. However, the localized distribution of these byproducts raises questions about their long-term environmental impact. Further research is essential to evaluate and mitigate any unintended ecological consequences, making sure that the technology aligns with broader sustainability goals. Advantages Over Existing Energy Systems The sodium-based fuel cell offers several distinct advantages compared to current energy storage and generation technologies: No Pressurized Storage: Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, the sodium-based system does not require high-pressure tanks or cryogenic storage, significantly reducing weight and cost. Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, the sodium-based system does not require high-pressure tanks or cryogenic storage, significantly reducing weight and cost. Dynamic Weight Reduction: As the sodium fuel is consumed during operation, the system becomes progressively lighter. This feature mirrors the fuel consumption dynamics of conventional jet engines, enhancing efficiency and performance in aviation applications. These advantages position the sodium-based fuel cell as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, particularly for long-range electric flights. Its lightweight design and high energy density could enable electric aircraft to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and performance. Challenges and Areas for Improvement Despite its potential, the sodium-based fuel cell faces several technical and practical challenges that must be addressed to enable widespread adoption: Low Power Density: The current prototype achieves a power density of only 40 W/kg, far below the levels required for commercial aviation. Enhancing power density is critical to making the technology competitive with existing systems. The current prototype achieves a power density of only 40 W/kg, far below the levels required for commercial aviation. Enhancing power density is critical to making the technology competitive with existing systems. Thermal Management: Maintaining the molten sodium at operational temperatures requires advanced thermal management systems, adding complexity and potential inefficiencies to the design. Maintaining the molten sodium at operational temperatures requires advanced thermal management systems, adding complexity and potential inefficiencies to the design. Environmental Concerns: While the carbon capture potential is promising, the localized impact of byproducts such as sodium bicarbonate needs thorough evaluation to ensure ecological safety. Overcoming these challenges will require significant advancements in materials science, engineering, and environmental research. Collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and government will be essential to accelerate the development and deployment of this promising technology. Applications and Commercialization Efforts The sodium-based fuel cell holds significant promise for the aviation industry, particularly for long-haul electric flights. Air travel accounts for approximately 10% of global transportation emissions, making it a critical target for decarbonization. By offering a lightweight, high-energy alternative to existing technologies, this innovation could play a pivotal role in reducing emissions and operational costs in the aviation sector. To bring this technology to market, a startup named Propel Aero has been established. Led by experienced clean-tech innovators, Propel Aero aims to refine the sodium-based fuel cell and scale it for commercial use. While the path to commercialization is fraught with challenges, the involvement of dedicated industry players underscores the technology's potential to transform electric aviation. As research and development efforts continue, the sodium-based fuel cell could emerge as a cornerstone of the next generation of sustainable aviation technologies. Its unique combination of high energy density, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits positions it as a compelling solution for the future of air travel. Media Credit: Ziroth Filed Under: Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Daily Mail
15 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The Great British cuppa really could be a lifesaver, as scientists find two cups of tea a day could drastically lower your risk of heart failure and stroke - just don't add SUGAR
Britons drink 100million of them every day – and it turns out the Great British cuppa could be a lifesaver. Tea, which Oscar Wilde described as the only simple pleasure left, lowers the risk of heart problems and stroke, according to new research. Up to two cups of unsweetened tea a day reduces the risk by up to 21 per cent. But add sugar or sweeteners and the benefits are lost, say academics. Researchers from Nantong University, China, used data on 177,810 UK adults, with an average age of around 55. Of those, 147,903 were tea drinkers, and 68.2 per cent did not add sugar and sweeteners. All were healthy at the start of the study, but over an average of 12.7 years, 15,003 cases of cardiovascular disease were diagnosed, including 2,679 strokes and 2,908 heart failures, it was reported in the International Journal of Cardiology Cardiovascular Risk and Prevention. Those who drank up to two cups of unsweetened tea a day had a 21 per cent reduced risk of heart failure, a 14 per cent lesser chance of having a stroke and were 7 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with coronary heart disease. No such effects were found for sweetened tea. It is thought an unsweetened cuppa better preserves biologically active compounds, including polyphenols, in the tea, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Both sugars and artificial sweeteners can promote insulin resistance and metabolic dysregulation, which are well-established cardiovascular disease risk factors.
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
New ancient discovery unearthed at popular dog walking spot
Volunteer archaeologists uncovered a Bronze Age burial site at Trelai Park in Cardiff, Wales. Human remains, believed to be cremations from the Bronze Age, were found in three pits during an archaeological dig. The cremations were discovered next to a 1500 BC roundhouse previously found at the site. Experts suggest the proximity of the remains indicates the site held significant ceremonial importance or was a burial ground for cherished family members. The discovery highlights the rich history of Trelai Park, suggesting it has been an important location for thousands of years.
