Latest news with #archaeologists
The Independent
21 hours ago
- General
- 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.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Telegraph
Why a holiday in historic Belize belongs on your bucket list
Stand before the 130ft-high pyramid of El Castillo at Xunantunich, overlooking the Mopan River, with its extraordinary carved frieze, and you'll feel powerful echoes of an ancient Maya civilisation that thrived for centuries. It is just one of hundreds of evocative monuments built by the Maya in Belize, a Central American country that packs an astonishing variety of history and nature into its diminutive borders. Caana is another structure that commands a visit – a gigantic pyramid encompassing several temples and palaces that is the centrepiece of Caracol, which was once a huge city of 140,000 inhabitants. Nestled in the lush jungle, these and other impressively well-preserved gems have the advantage of not being overrun by visitors. Many settlements were lost under foliage over the centuries after the Maya reign but have been carefully unearthed by archaeologists who have maintained the monuments' special relationship with the wild landscapes. Nearby visitor centres explain the purposes of the key buildings and reveal their remarkable prowess in astronomy, mathematics and art. Belize is barely larger than Wales, so you're never far from an inspiring historical site, making it easy to combine an investigation of the country's deep history with an exotic wildlife experience or a thrilling Indiana Jones-style adventure. At the very least, a visit to any of these sites will be accompanied by the sights and sounds of colourful birds and possibly monkeys too. The vast Hokeb Ha (Blue Creek) Cave, which can only be accessed by swimming through its crystal waters, is close to Lubaantun Archaeological Park, known for its unique slate buildings that were constructed with equally unique methods, with no mortar used. Artefacts from sacred ceremonies have been found inside the cave and, if that isn't enough, one of Belize's glittering waterfalls is also close by. Insights into the secrets of the Maya have also been revealed through the vast array of tools, vessels and weapons – along with skeletons – found in Belize's best-known underground complex, the ATM Caves, which were only rediscovered in 1989. Far from disappearing completely, the Maya civilisation has endured: its descendants are very much alive today, and their influence can be found in the vibrant melting-pot that is modern Belize. As well as Maya, there are several other key cultures. Mestizos are the people of Maya-Spanish heritage, resulting from the country's colonial days. Garifuna people can trace their roots to Carib, Arawak and West African ancestors. More familiar will be Creole, where the European-African spirit infuses food, art and music. Of course, to really get to know a place's culture you have to dine there, and the cuisine of Belize perfectly reflects the amalgam of people living there: Maya, African, Spanish and Caribbean flavours have all left their mark. Rice and beans is the staple dish that's served everywhere but there are plenty of others that warrant a try. Look out for crispy conch fritters, just one example from the bountiful Caribbean Sea, and garnaches, which are fried tortillas topped with beans, cabbage, salsa and cheese. Then there's pibil – tender, slow-roasted pork. Don't be surprised to see meat pies at breakfast, and evening meals can be washed down with the local Belikin beer. To enjoy a blissful, authentic getaway to Belize that takes advantage of lower travel costs, visit during Green Season, which runs from June to November. With fewer tourists present, you have greater freedom to explore the country's countless natural and historic treasures. It's also worth trying to coincide your visit with one of the many festivals. These can be high-energy carnivals, with elaborate costumes and drumming (held in September), or more quirky events such as the Monkey River Festival (which happens in May), featuring traditional games and dancing. There are also fiestas to celebrate chocolate, cashews, mangos and lobsters. To make the most of a holiday in Belize it's best to book with a company that knows the country inside out. Journey Latin America is the UK's top specialist in travel to Latin America. Founded in 1980 this specialist tour operator has been creating award-winning tailor-made holidays and leading small, escorted group tours to every corner of the region for over 40 years. With a longstanding team of travel experts – all of whom have lived, worked or travelled extensively throughout the area – its staff pride themselves on being the most knowledgeable people in the industry when it comes to travel in Latin America. A 12-day Signature Belize Tour with Journey Latin America costs from £3,550 per person. This includes transfers, domestic flights, excursions and good-quality hotels on a bed and breakfast basis.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Science
- The Independent
World's oldest boomerang may have been found - but not in Australia
A mammoth tusk artefact discovered in Poland 's Obłazowa cave could be Europe 's earliest boomerang and potentially the world's oldest tool of its kind. The ivory artefact, estimated to be nearly 40,000 years old, was found alongside what appears to be a human little finger or toe bone fossil, according to a study published in the journal PLoS One. Unlike most ancient boomerangs, typically found in Australia, are made of wood, this discovery highlights the resourcefulness of early Homo sapiens ancestors using ivory. Experiments suggest the artefact could function as a non-returning boomerang, similar to Australian types, and markings provide cultural context for early Homo sapiens in Europe. Archaeologists speculate the human digit fossil found with the boomerang may indicate a shamanistic ritual, offering insights into early human technological innovation and symbolic behaviours.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Fungus that may have caused 'King Tut's curse' shows promise in treating cancer
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A toxic fungus, once thought to have caused fatal lung infections in tomb explorers, may hold the key to powerful new cancer treatments, new research suggests. Within months of the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun in 1922, the earl who had financed the excavation and visited the "wonderful" burial site died, leading many to believe the mummy had cursed those who entered the tomb. In the 1970s, 10 of the 12 archaeologists excavating the 15th-century crypt of King Casimir IV in Poland also met a similar fate. Analysis of Casimir's tomb revealed the presence of a fungus called Aspergillus flavus, the toxins of which are known to cause a deadly lung infection. Now, the same fungus has shown promise as a treatment for leukaemia, according to a new study published in Nature Chemical Biology. The researcher team identified and engineered a class of molecules within the fungus, called asperigimycins, that kill leukemia cells in a laboratory setting. "This is nature's irony at its finest," study senior author Sherry Gao, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, said in a statement. "The same fungus once feared for bringing death may now help save lives." Aspergillus flavus produces spores that are able to lie dormant for centuries — including inside sealed tombs. When disturbed, the fungus can cause deadly respiratory infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. Related: College student discovers psychedelic fungus that eluded LSD inventor In their new study, the scientists examined the unique chemical compounds produced by the fungus and discovered a class of natural compounds called RiPPs (ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides). These molecules are difficult to isolate and rarely seen in fungi, but they hold therapeutic promise due to their complex structures and bioactivity. This means they have intricate, unique shapes that can interact with biological systems in powerful ways, such as killing cancer cells. "We found four novel asperigimycins with an unusual interlocking ring structure," lead author Qiuyue Nie, a researcher in chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, said in the statement. "Two of them had strong anti-leukemia properties even without modification." To enhance the drugs' effectiveness, the researchers attached lipid molecules similar to those found in royal jelly, the nutrient-rich substance that sustains queen bees. This enabled the drugs to enter cancer cells more efficiently, because lipids help drugs cross cellular membranes, which are made largely of fats themselves. Further analysis revealed how a gene called SLC46A3 acts as a kind of molecular gateway, helping the drug escape cellular compartments and target leukemia cells directly. This discovery could aid in the delivery of other promising but hard-to-administer drugs in the future. RELATED STORIES —'The most critically harmful fungi to humans': How the rise of C. auris was inevitable —Mysterious artifacts from King Tut's tomb might have been used in 'awakening Osiris' ritual —Single gene may help explain the plague's persistence throughout human history Unlike broad-spectrum chemotherapy agents that can damage healthy cells, asperigimycins appear to specifically disrupt leukemia cell division without affecting healthy tissues. Early tests also suggest the compounds have minimal effects on breast, liver, and lung cancer cells. According to the researchers, this selectivity is important for minimizing unwanted side effects. In addition to asperigimycins, the team believe similar life-saving compounds may be hidden in other fungal species. The team are planning to test asperigimycins in animal models, with the eventual goal of launching human clinical trials. And by scanning fungal genomes and exploring more strains of Aspergillus, they hope to unlock new treatments. "The ancient world is still offering us tools for modern medicine," said Gao. "The tombs were feared for their curses, but they may become a wellspring of cures."
New York Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Nottingham Forest's revamped City Ground will look great, but the work is not done yet
In total, it has taken 2,310 days just to reach this point. At the last count, there were 1,923 planning documents on file. Add to that 2,585 public comments and more complications — bat roosts, bus stops, Japanese knotweed and a whole load more besides — than Nottingham Forest had ever anticipated. Advertisement So, yes, it is fair to say the relevant people have found the planning processes challenging, to say the least, since unveiling proposals for a new-look City Ground in February 2019 and optimistically floating the idea that everything would be ready within two and a half years. The story so far has been long and tortuous — torturous, even — and, at one point, featured a now-abandoned proposal to quit their scenic riverside setting in favour of a 50,000-seat bowl in Toton, south of the city on the Nottinghamshire-Derbyshire border. 'Toton is a sh**hole,' the Forest crowd sang in response. But, for a while, the club were deadly serious about making it happen. Instead, Forest have reverted to Plan A, even though the stadium's location, right next to the River Trent, brings inevitable issues. The risk of flooding has been assessed, then reassessed, then reassessed again (the Environment Agency initially objected to the plans). Highways reports have been commissioned. There have been drainage experts, sunlight specialists, energy boffins — even archaeological studies to investigate the potential for unearthing Roman remains. And, finally, we appear to be nearing the point when a date can be pencilled in to demolish the loyal, dutiful, but ageing Peter Taylor Stand and replace it with a modern, sleek main stand that will be a considerable upgrade on, well, one that was put up in 1965. The matter will be heard by the local authority, Rushcliffe Borough Council, on Thursday (6pm UK time), and it recommends that planning permission should be granted. And then — hey presto — Forest fans can start looking forward to the first major redevelopment of the stadium since 1994, and perhaps the biggest statement of the Evangelos Marinakis ownership era to date. The new structure will have five floors, a club shop, all sorts of hospitality facilities and a cantilever roof that, at 38 metres (124ft), will make it the tallest of the stadium's four stands. Advertisement Nobody should be too enthused about the block of 170 apartments that will go up beside the stadium to help finance everything through rental agreements. Overall, though, it is a big moment in the club's modern history — exciting, too, especially if it means Forest officially taking over the freehold for the land the stadium sits on (a provisional £9million to £10m sale was agreed with Nottingham City Council, the club's landlords, last summer but is still waiting, almost a year on, for the final sign-off). Ultimately, though, the new stand will increase the ground's 30,400 capacity only by another 5,000 seats at a time when Forest's data shows they could have sold 50,000 tickets for some games since their return to the Premier League three years ago. Similarly, the new 'corner box', constructed for £7million between the Trent End and Brian Clough Stand, has created space for only 180 more spectators. More needs to be done to accommodate the thousands who cannot get tickets to Forest home games and that is never going to be straightforward, plainly, when the next phase involves redeveloping the stand that — here's a suggestion about a nice, easy way to kick off everything — really ought to be renamed in honour of John Robertson. Why Robertson? Well, it should be obvious — we are talking about the greatest player in the club's history, scorer of the goal that won the 1980 European Cup final and supplier of the cross for Trevor Francis to head in the winner during the same game a year earlier. An online petition started a while back. The idea has been discussed more than once at the top of the club and it was interesting to see one of their players from the 1990s, Paul McGregor, adding his name to the petition. 'Have signed this,' the former striker announced. 'Our greatest ever player and one of my favourite human beings. Where are you sitting? 'Robbo Stand, mate'. It's just right, innit?'. Advertisement For now, though, that southeastern part of the ground is known as the Bridgford Stand (West Bridgford being the area of the city it backs on to) and redevelopment will be tricky, in the extreme, because of the local opposition that many Forest fans consider, rightly or wrongly, to be NIMBY-ism — Not In My Back Yard syndrome. For context, consider the plans for the Peter Taylor Stand and the objections lodged by the Lady Bay Community Association, the Central West Bridgford Community Association, and various others. One councillor cited issues about how the increased crowd size might affect the local wi-fi. Among 116 letters of objection, residents complained about parking concerns, litter problems and potential traffic congestion. And it can seem strange sometimes that so many people have chosen to live beside a football ground (which has been there, lest it be forgotten, since 1898) without realising matchdays will attract big crowds, heavy traffic and potential inconvenience. The people making these objections might argue that, unless you live in the area yourself, you cannot fully appreciate what it is like. And fair enough: a bigger City Ground will mean bigger crowds at its games and, in turn, more pressure on the local infrastructure. At the same time, it is worth repeating that Forest are devoting significant funding to pay for the upkeep of the surrounding roads, as well as new bus shelters, pedestrian crossings and various other financial obligations — even a £12,240 payment, for reasons not fully explained, to the local allotments. It is known, in planning terms, as an S106 agreement and in this case it includes Forest paying £1million for improved bus services, £50,000 for canal towpaths, £200,000 for cycle lanes and £1.2m compensation to Nottingham Rowing Club on the basis that its Britannia Boat House, now adjacent to the stadium, will be demolished and then rebuilt further along the River Trent. As for the economic impact of having more people visiting the city, booking its restaurants and hotel rooms, one report commissioned by the club estimated it would be worth £13million a year to Nottingham and create another 250 jobs. Advertisement Either way, kudos to Pete Vallelly, author of several books on Forest's history, who made his point in the form of a letter, posted on the council's planning portal last week, reminding all interested parties that 'the club — and local infrastructure — withstood attendances of nigh on 50,000 spectators in the 1960s'. A while back, The Athletic was invited into Forest's boardroom to see the 'masterplan' for a 40,000-capacity City Ground, featuring a new, higher roof on the Bridgford Stand. It was an obvious upgrade and had 'NFFC' spelt out in white seats across a red backdrop. Yet a higher roof would not change the fact there is absolutely nothing going on inside that stand — no restaurants, no bars, no function rooms — unless a football match is happening out on the pitch. Surely, therefore, it would be better to knock it down and start again with more ambitious designs — be imaginative, create something special that would also have the facilities to bring in revenue on non-matchdays. Easier said than done, of course, and if you have ever wondered why the current roof has a lopsided look, the reason for the dip is to stop the nearest houses on Colwick Road from having their sunlight blocked out. That remains a big issue and, as such, Forest have stated their intention to start buying up those homes. So far, however, they own only two — numbers 21 and 23, the ones closest to the ground — and neither is a new acquisition. Plus, don't just assume that the street's current householders will agree to sell. There is, in short, a long way to go. Realistically, we are still several years away from the City Ground being the stadium that everyone, from Marinakis down, wants it to be. It is moving in the right direction, though, and if everything goes according to plan, Forest have talked internally about demolishing the Peter Taylor Stand next year. Work on the new stand will take 18 months and, though that means a lot of disruption, the idea is to open it up in phases, starting with the bottom tier. Advertisement Is it overdue? Yes. Has it been a headache? Crikey, yes. But will everything, ultimately, be worthwhile? Absolutely. The new-look City Ground will be brilliant — it will just be even more impressive with a bigger and better 'John Robertson Stand' to help with Forest's brave new world.
