Latest news with #UniversityofBologna


MTV Lebanon
26-06-2025
- Science
- MTV Lebanon
World's Oldest Boomerang Doesn't Actually Come Back
The world's oldest boomerang is older than previously thought, casting new light on the ingenuity of humans living at the time. The tool, which was found in a cave in Poland in 1985, is now thought to be 40,000 years old. Archaeologists say it was fashioned from a mammoth's tusk with an astonishing level of skill. Researchers worked out from its shape that it would have flown when thrown, but would not have come back to the thrower. It was probably used in hunting, though it might have had cultural or artistic value, perhaps being used in some kind of ritual. The mammoth ivory boomerang was unearthed in Oblazowa Cave in southern Poland. It was originally thought to be about 30,000 years old. But new, more reliable radiocarbon dating of human and animal bones found at the site puts the age at between 39,000 and 42,000 years old. "It's the oldest boomerang in the world, and the only one in the world made of this shape and this long to be found in Poland," said Dr Sahra Talamo of the University of Bologna, Italy. It gives a "remarkable insight" into human behaviour, she said, particularly how Homo sapiens living as long as 42,000 years ago could shape "such a perfect object" with the knowledge it could be used to hunt animals. The boomerang is exceptionally well preserved, with score marks suggesting it had been polished and carved for use by a right-handed individual. Boomerangs are generally associated with Aboriginal culture in Australia. However, rare finds in the historical record outside Australia suggest they were used across different continents. The oldest known boomerang from Australia dates to about 10,500 years ago, made from wood. But the oldest images of boomerangs in Australia are rock art paintings 20,000 years old, according to National Museum Australia. A wooden boomerang dating back 7,000 years has been found in Jutland, a peninsula between Denmark and Germany, while fragments of a 2,000-year-old oak boomerang – which does come back – has been found in The Netherlands. The research by a team of scientists from Poland, Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland and the UK is published in the journal PLOS One.


Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Oldest boomerang ever found doesn't come back — so what was it used for 42,000 years ago?
A boomerang discovered decades ago in a cave in southern Poland has now been dated to between 39,000 and 42,000 years ago, making it the oldest known example of such a tool in the world — and it doesn't come back when thrown. Unearthed in 1985 in the Oblazowa Cave, the artefact was originally thought to be around 30,000 years old. Now, new and more precise radiocarbon dating of bones found at the same site has pushed its age back by nearly 10,000 years, according to researchers cited by the BBC. The boomerang is unlike any other: it was carved with exceptional skill from a mammoth tusk. Scientists say the craftsmanship reflects a high level of sophistication among Homo sapiens living in Europe at the time. Dr Sahra Talamo of the University of Bologna said: 'It's the oldest boomerang in the world, and the only one in the world made of this shape and this long to be found in Poland.' The discovery provides 'remarkable insight' into early human behaviour, she told the BBC. While the tool was clearly shaped to fly when thrown, its aerodynamic design indicates it was not meant to return to the thrower. This suggests it was likely used for hunting or possibly for ceremonial purposes. The boomerang is exceptionally well preserved. Marks along its surface suggest it had been polished and carved to be used by a right-handed individual. Though boomerangs are typically associated with Aboriginal Australian culture, similar tools have been found across Europe and beyond. The oldest known Australian boomerang — made from wood — dates back about 10,500 years. In Europe, a 7,000-year-old wooden boomerang was found in Jutland, Denmark, while a 2,000-year-old oak version that does return was discovered in the Netherlands. (With inputs from BBC)


Saudi Gazette
26-06-2025
- Science
- Saudi Gazette
World's oldest boomerang doesn't actually come back
WARSAW — The world's oldest boomerang is older than previously thought, casting new light on the ingenuity of humans living at the time. The tool, which was found in a cave in Poland in 1985, is now thought to be 40,000 years old. Archaeologists say it was fashioned from a mammoth's tusk with an astonishing level of skill. Researchers worked out from its shape that it would have flown when thrown, but would not have come back to the thrower. It was probably used in hunting, though it might have had cultural or artistic value, perhaps being used in some kind of ritual. The mammoth ivory boomerang was unearthed in Oblazowa Cave in southern Poland. It was originally thought to be about 30,000 years old. But new, more reliable radiocarbon dating of human and animal bones found at the site puts the age at between 39,000 and 42,000 years old. "It's the oldest boomerang in the world, and the only one in the world made of this shape and this long to be found in Poland," said Dr Sahra Talamo of the University of Bologna, Italy. It gives a "remarkable insight" into human behaviour, she said, particularly how Homo sapiens living as long as 42,000 years ago could shape "such a perfect object" with the knowledge it could be used to hunt animals. The boomerang is exceptionally well preserved, with score marks suggesting it had been polished and carved for use by a right-handed individual. Boomerangs are generally associated with Aboriginal culture in Australia. However, rare finds in the historical record outside Australia suggest they were used across different continents. The oldest known boomerang from Australia dates to about 10,500 years ago, made from wood. But the oldest images of boomerangs in Australia are rock art paintings 20,000 years old, according to National Museum Australia. A wooden boomerang dating back 7,000 years has been found in Jutland, a peninsula between Denmark and Germany, while fragments of a 2,000-year-old oak boomerang – which does come back – has been found in The Netherlands. The research by a team of scientists from Poland, Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland and the UK is published in the journal PLOS One. — BBC


Scottish Sun
02-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Cancer patients risk dying because of ‘RUBBISH they read on social media', top doctors warn
The NHS, top UK charities and global experts warn the problem is out of control LETHAL LIES Cancer patients risk dying because of 'RUBBISH they read on social media', top doctors warn Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CANCER patients are refusing medical treatment because of rubbish they read online, top doctors warn. People are becoming incurable and even dying as a result of misinformation on social media. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up A study led by the University of Bologna found that almost all cancer-related videos on YouTube and TikTok – between 88 and 100 per cent – contain incorrect information. The NHS, top UK charities and global experts warn the problem is out of control, killing patients who have cancer and terrifying those trying to stay healthy. Professor Richard Simcock, NHS doctor and chief medical officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: 'I recently saw two young women who have declined all proven medical treatments for cancer and are instead pursuing unproven and radical diets, promoted on social media. 'As a doctor, I want to be able to use the best available therapies to help people with cancer. 'A person is perfectly entitled to decline but when they do that on the basis of information which is frankly untrue or badly interpreted it makes me very sad.' Polling by Macmillan has found that 59 per cent of Brits – more than 30million people – believe myths or misconceptions about the disease. For example experts say patients are being sucked in by influencers' claims that low-carb diets can battle cancer, recommendations for unproven drugs, and a belief that negative thoughts can cause relapse. Internet users have also been convinced of false or unproven cancer risks such as from deodorants, mobile phones, underwired bras and dairy, they added. They also accuse search engines and artificial intelligence of regurgitating false information. Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England's medical director, said: 'Social media can provide a supportive community but we're also seeing an alarmingly high level of misinformation on some of these platforms. The signs and symptoms of cancer 'I would urge people to be sceptical of any 'miracle cures' and to use trusted, credible sources like the NHS website. 'These fairy tales aren't just misleading, they can be harmful.' Dr Julie Gralow, president of the American Society for Clinical Oncology, said: 'Several patients of mine wanted an all-natural treatment approach and found clinics online. 'In some cases they died within nine months. 'It's tragic and we wonder what we could have done differently but in the end we can't force anybody to do anything.' About 400,000 people develop cancer in the UK each year and 50 per cent survive for 10 years or more after diagnosis. Matthew Hobbs, of Prostate Cancer UK, added: 'Sadly there are a lot of poor sources of information out there. 'Sometimes they are deliberately pushing unproven treatments or ideas, other times it is well meant advice but lacking expertise and full understanding of all the facts.' Retired breast surgeon Dr Liz O'Riordan said: 'We need to get more doctors talking to patients on social media and explaining things to them.'


Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
People with THIS personality trait are more likely to enjoy themselves in the bedroom - so, are you one of them?
When it comes to sexual satisfaction, a certain personality trait can make you more likely to enjoy yourself, according to a new study. Researchers have discovered that people with higher levels of emotional intelligence tend to have a better time in-between the sheets. This could be because it means people are more comfortable with intimacy and getting close to someone, they said. And in good news, there are steps anyone can take to improve it. The team, from the University of Bologna in Italy, collected data from 864 adults who were currently in a relationship or dating. Participants were asked to complete a series of psychological assessments including those which measured emotional intelligence, attachment anxiety and avoidance, and comfort with interpersonal touch. Analysis revealed that higher levels of emotional intelligence was linked with better sexual satisfaction. The team found that this was mainly due to the fact that these people have a higher tolerance for emotional and physical intimacy, and had less anxiety. Researchers have discovered that people with higher levels of emotional intelligence tend to have a better time in-between the sheets They also discovered that higher levels of emotional intelligence was linked to higher body appreciation and fewer problematic sexual behaviours. The trait has also been associated with emotional self-awareness, empathy, the ability to regulate emotions and social skills. Luckily, for those who may struggle in this area, there are steps you can take to improve your emotional intelligence. Experts say reconnecting with core emotions – through practicing mindfulness – can help. 'It's important that you learn how to manage stress first, so you'll feel more comfortable reconnecting to strong or unpleasant emotions and changing how you experience and respond to your feelings,' experts told Help Guide. 'In order to build emotional intelligence —and become emotionally healthy—you must reconnect to your core emotions, accept them, and become comfortable with them. You can achieve this through the practice of mindfulness.' They added: 'Become aware of how effectively you use nonverbal communication. 'The emotional part of your brain is always on—and even if you ignore its messages—others won't. 'Recognizing the nonverbal messages that you send to others can play a huge part in improving your relationships.' They also recommended using humour and play to relieve stress, and learning to see conflict as an opportunity to grow closer to others. The new study was published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences. The authors wrote: 'The findings highlight the importance of trait emotional intelligence in mitigating negative emotions linked to insecure attachments, reducing the risk of problematic sexual behaviours, and improving overall sexual satisfaction.' WHAT TACTICS DO PEOPLE USE TO STOP THEMSELVES CHEATING? Researchers at the University of New Brunswick asked 362 heterosexual adults how they had staved off temptations to cheat while in a relationship. 1. 'Relationship enhancement' Seventy-five per cent of the study's respondents, who were aged between 19 and 63, selected 'relationship enhancement' as their primary tactic. This ploy included things like taking their partner on a date, making an extra effort with their appearance around them, or having more sex with them. 2. 'Proactive avoidance' The second most-popular was 'proactive avoidance', which involved maintaining distance from the temptation. As well as physically avoiding the temptation, people also avoided getting close in conversation with that person. 3. 'Derogation of the temptation' The third and final tactic used by people was 'derogation of the temptation', which involved feelings of guilt, and thinking about the tempting person in a negative light. Participants reported flirting less when they applied the final, 'derogation of the temptation' strategy. But none of the strategies had an effect on the levels of romantic infidelity, sexual infidelity, and whether the relationship survived. Psychologist Dr Alex Fradera, who was not involved in the research, said the findings show little can be done once feelings of temptation have crept in.