Tag Archives: Rock

Discover the 68,000-Year-Old Hand Claw Pattern: The Oldest Known Rock Art

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Ancient Hand Stencil: Modified to Resemble Claws

Afdi Agus Octaviana

A stunning discovery of a nearly 68,000-year-old hand stencil on the walls of a cave in Sulawesi, Indonesia, may represent the oldest known rock art. This stencil appears to have been intentionally modified, giving the fingers a claw-like appearance rather than a traditional handprint.

In recent years, Sulawesi has emerged as a significant location in human history. The island has been home to various hominin species since the earliest humans likely appeared over 1.4 million years ago, with Homo erectus making its initial known journey to the area.

In 2024, researcher Maxim Aubert and his team from Griffith University uncovered the world’s oldest known figurative art on the island, dating back at least 51,200 years. This art includes depictions of pigs alongside human-like figures. More recently, Aubert’s team reported finding 44 additional rock art sites in Southeast Sulawesi, including a hand-painted stencil at Liang Metanduno, dated to 67,800 years ago.

The previous record for the oldest known rock art, a hand-painted stencil found in a Neanderthal site in Northern Spain, is estimated to be at least 66,700 years old, making the Sulawesi find significant in the timeline of art history.

Aubert noted that the Sulawesi hand stencil exhibits signs of modification; the tip of one finger appears intentionally tapered, possibly through pigment application techniques. This unique form of hand stencil art has only been recognized in Sulawesi to date.

“This is more than just a hand pattern,” states Aubert. “They appear to be retouching it, whether with a brush or spray, achieving a similar effect.”

The purpose of this artistic technique remains unknown. Aubert speculates, “They likely aimed to mimic an animal’s claw-like appearance.”

Additional Discoveries: Animal Figures in Sulawesi Cave

Maxim Aubert

Aubert indicated that identifying the exact species that created this hand stencil remains uncertain. However, the unique artistic alterations imply it was likely made by modern humans, suggesting a connection to the ancestors of the first Australians.

Evidence from the Madjedbebe site in Arnhem Land, Australia, indicates that Homo sapiens arrived on the continent at least 60,000 years ago. Additionally, increasing evidence suggests Sulawesi is a crucial early pathway linking Southeast Asia to New Guinea and Australia.

“These discoveries have far-reaching implications for our understanding of art history,” says Aubert. “The creators of this stencil were likely among the ancestors of the first Australians, underscoring the cultural significance of their rock art, which dates back at least 68,000 years.”

Team member Adam Blum, also from Griffith University, notes that both the Neanderthal hand stencils in Spain and the Sulawesi rock art were created using similar techniques, such as spraying ochre pigments.

Intricate Details of Ancient Rock Art

Maxim Aubert

“Modern humans exhibited a distinct artistic approach,” Blum explains. “They intentionally altered the finger contours of the stencil, creating a more pointed and narrower appearance. This transformed the hand imprint into a potential representation of an animal claw.”

“Such changes highlight the creativity and imaginative capacity of modern human artists, showcasing abstract thinking not evidenced in Neanderthal hand imprints,” he adds.

Martin Poe, a researcher from the University of Western Australia in Perth, stated that this discovery confirms the world’s oldest known rock art attributed to modern humans. “The dates on the stencil correspond with the earliest known timelines for Homo sapiens. This region encompasses not just Australia but mainland Asia and Southeast Asia,” Poe concluded, emphasizing the need for further research to clarify the migration routes of early humans to Australia.

Uncovering Ancient Caves: The Origins of Humanity in Northern Spain

Embark on a journey to discover some of the world’s oldest cave paintings nestled in the beautiful landscapes of northern Spain. Travel back 40,000 years to learn how our ancestors lived, engaged in play, and crafted tools. From ancient Paleolithic art to remarkable geological forms, each cave sings a unique and timeless tale.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

20-Year-Old Guitar Hero: How a Plastic Axe Connected Generations Through Rock

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IIt’s been two decades since the launch of Guitar Hero in North America, empowering everyday gamers to step into the shoes of rock stars. Not in a literal sense, of course, but good luck convincing the individual who rocked out to Free Bird’s four-minute guitar solo in front of a packed living room crowd.

Created by Harmonix and published by RedOctane, Guitar Hero drew inspiration from Konami’s GuitarFreaks and introduced a guitar-shaped controller that allowed players to hit colored notes scrolling down the screen in sync with popular tracks. Each riff or sequence aligned with a specific note, delivering the sensation of an authentic live performance.

Before collaborating with RedOctane, Harmonix had already explored rhythm gaming with the PlayStation 2 titles Frequency and Amplitude. The partnership, which later saw RedOctane acquired by Activision in 2006, paved the way for an unexpected multibillion-dollar franchise that introduced classic bands like Cheap Trick, Kansas, and Lynyrd Skynyrd to millions of younger players and left a significant mark on many featured artists.

The new strumming… a line of players wielding plastic guitars. Photo: Johannes Eisel/AFP/Getty Images

Michael Dornbrook, former COO of Harmonix, reminisces about the early financial hurdles related to licensing the songs, even though the initial titles mainly featured cover versions. He shared how his negotiating strength evolved as the game skyrocketed in popularity.

“The revenue was so substantial that we eventually rerecorded all the music,” he notes. “Even securing just publishing rights proved nearly impossible. You couldn’t approach a band like The Who. RedOctane was practically broke and uncertain of success. However, once Guitar Hero exploded, causing record sales and radio play to soar, everyone wanted in.”

“What’s remarkable is the number of parents who’ve reached out to thank us for introducing their kids to the music they cherish. It has truly become generational.”

Northern Irish blues rock band Answer made their debut in the 2008 Game Guitar Hero World Tour with “Never Too Late.” Guitarist Paul Mahon observes how the series revived classic rock. “‘Guitar Hero’ drew a younger crowd. What was once dismissed as ‘old-fashioned music’ became cool again as teens discovered it through the game. It restored legitimacy to the genre, shedding the ‘dad rock’ label. It revived interest in our music.”

At the time of their North American tour supporting AC/DC in 2008, The Answer had yet to release their debut album in the U.S. Therefore, it served as a crucial platform for the band. “Their crew was playing ‘Never Too Late’ on the tour bus, and some recognized us from ‘Guitar Hero,'” shares Mahon.

Spin-off titles like Guitar Hero: Aerosmith highlighted individual bands. Photo: ArcadeImages/Alamy

Major rock legends quickly seized upon the series’ success, with Aerosmith, Metallica, and Van Halen featured in dedicated spin-offs that spotlighted their catalogs and rock ‘n’ roll legacies. Guitar Hero: Aerosmith reportedly earned the band more revenue than any of their traditional studio albums, with over 500,000 copies sold in its first week, leading to a 40% boost in sales of Aerosmith’s music during an already turbulent time in the music industry.

The series still generates enthusiasm among its fans. Earlier this year, the streamer CarnyJared achieved an impressive milestone by playing DragonForce’s Through the Fire and Flames (a notorious power metal track popularized by Guitar Hero) in Clone Hero, a free game mimicking its gameplay with extensive customization. This track poses significant challenges even at Expert mode, let alone playing at double speed without faltering on nearly 4,000 notes. Carney Jared claims it took him nine months of practice.

Infamously challenging…DragonForce guitarist Herman Lee. Photo: Gary Miller/Filmmagic

It’s no small task, but when do you transition to playing a real guitar? “It doesn’t really matter; you can’t play that song within nine months!” DragonForce guitarist Herman Lee contends that the gaming world and reality are entirely distinct. “There’s zero possibility. Guitar Hero is an entertaining fantasy.” Just because you play Call of Duty doesn’t mean you need to pick up a real firearm and join the military.”

DragonForce had already enjoyed a successful tour before “Through the Fire and Flames” featured in “Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock,” which Lee believes propelled the band into the limelight. “I recall getting a call from our record label saying the album was flying off the shelves,” he shares. “The next time we hit the road, it was a whole new level. We played the Mayhem Festival right before headliners Slipknot and Disturbed.”

In fact, the exposure from Guitar Hero was so significant that it nearly overshadowed the rest of the band’s work. Last year, the song appeared in the trailer for Despicable Me 4. “I used to think differently, but I’ve come to terms with it,” Lee reflects. “Even if just one person hears a DragonForce song, it’s fantastic. Everyone has their own musical journey, and we’re thrilled to be part of theirs.”

Whether relating to cars, fashion, or gaming, top-tier marketing goes beyond making a sale; it ignites desire. Did Guitar Hero successfully tap into that? “Precisely what we aimed for,” Dornbrook states. “The excitement of being a rock star performing on stage. From day one, Alex [Rigopulos] and Eran [Egozy], co-founders of Harmonix, believed in the intrinsic human longing to create music and sought to leverage technology to facilitate it.”

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/B2KnvCuOIqg?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Guitar Hero Live – Win The Crowd Trailer | PS4, PS3" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

Most Guitar Hero titles were launched in just five years, from 2005 to 2010. This brief period also saw the release of DJ Hero, a spin-off featuring a turntable controller, and Band Hero, which hit the market just one week apart in 2009. Dornbrook noted, “Activision is notorious for exhausting franchises and tends to oversaturate.” Since then, apart from a brief revival with Guitar Hero Live in 2015, interest from publishers in plastic instruments has diminished.

Games like Clone Hero and Fortnite Festival keep the energy alive, with new developments from the original publisher on the horizon. A new studio named RedOctane Games has “entered production on its first rhythm-based title,” with original co-founders Kai and Charles Huang serving as special advisors. Is the world prepared for another title infused with the spirit of Guitar Hero?

“We envisioned these games evolving like Madden, with annual updates,” Dornbrook continues. “I remain optimistic because there’s an incredible wealth of new music that could sustain it indefinitely. There’s no reason it couldn’t thrive for future generations.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Echoes of Rock: A Personal Exploration of Earth’s Geological History

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The rocks lining Britain’s Jurassic Coast are roughly 185 million years old

James Osmond/Alamy

Whispers of Rock
Anjana Khatwa, Bridge Street Press (UK). Basic Books (USA, releasing November 4th)

Stones are often overlooked. How frequently do we consider the materials beneath our feet, or the origins of the beach pebbles we idly collect?

And how often do we recognize the role of geology when discussing nature and our pressing discussions about climate change? Any efforts towards addressing climate change and the future of our planet must include our relationship with the elements that constitute our world.

We are fortunate to gain insights from geoscientist Anjana Khatwa through her latest book, Whispers of Rock: Stories from Earth. This work, described as “an exhilarating journey through deep time,” is a heartfelt tribute that is sure to resonate with readers. Khatwa has dedicated a significant part of her life to promoting an understanding of geology, providing the scientific detail that highlights her profound knowledge.

In this book, she methodically covers topics such as the formation of mountains, craters, and slate, interspersing fascinating anecdotes. For instance, the iconic Taj Mahal of India, a symbol of love, was constructed from ivory-white Makrana marble that dates back approximately 2 billion years, originating from ancient landmass collisions. This complex genesis involved tectonic shifts, cyanobacteria, photosynthesis, and calcium carbonate, all coming together to create the stones used in this magnificent structure.

Once the scientific framework is laid down, Khatwa breathes life into the narrative of rocks and minerals, transforming it into a sensory experience far removed from the geology classes of my past. She invites readers to appreciate the negative spaces carved in Petra, Jordan, which form breathtaking structures and the unexpected beauty found within. She describes the markings on the stone as remnants of an ancient river, illustrating her deep connection to these geological marvels, becoming a “keeper of the stories of time.”

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A recipe that involved tectonic movements, photosynthesis, and more resulted in the marble utilized in the Taj Mahal.
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Khatwa’s passion for stones began in her childhood, walking on solidified lava flows in southeastern Kenya. Throughout her book, she takes readers on a global journey, including her hometown of Dorset, England, where she enjoyed 20 years of geological history at the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

This adventure reveals how rocks have shaped her life and the lives of many others. We explore the colossal sarsen stones of Stonehenge in England, delve into the science and folklore of New Zealand’s Ponamu greenstone, and trace the socio-political history of the Black Belt, a fertile region in the American South shaped by cotton plantations after the removal of indigenous communities.

However, what truly distinguishes this book is Khatwa’s personal narrative. She openly addresses the lack of diversity in the environmental sector in the UK and shares her experiences as a mother, imparting a sense of vulnerability along the journey.

She reflects on how she was “transformed by the whiteness of my working environment” and came to realize that her cultural and spiritual identity often took a backseat to her scientific persona. This book is essential reading for anyone grappling with that duality or wishing to understand it better. We stand with Khatwa as she navigates the space between belonging and the feeling of being an outsider.

Whispers of Rock is packed with such insight that it requires contemplation after each chapter. Khatwa is also intentionally provocative, acknowledging that the intersection between science and spirituality may make some readers uncomfortable, as it challenges their preconceived notions. Yet, this provocative approach sparks a genuinely enlightening exploration.

Dhurti Shah is a freelance journalist based in London.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient Rock Art Reveals Human Life in the Arabian Desert 12,000 Years Ago

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Approximately 12,000 years ago, during the Pleistocene-Chlorocene transition, humans navigated a network of seasonal waters in Northern Arabia, marking significant locations with camels, ibex, wild equids, gazelles, and monumental rock carvings of Auloc, as well as establishing access routes.

Jebel Arnaan rock art panel. Image credit: Mariaguanine.

As part of the Green Arabia Project, archaeologist Michael Petraglia from Griffith University and his team have uncovered over 60 rock art panels featuring 176 sculptures in three previously unexplored locations.

The sculptures predominantly illustrate camels, ibex, equids, gazelles, and aurochs, comprising 130 life-size and naturalistic figures, with heights exceeding 3 meters and 2 meters.

This sculptural activity occurred between 12,800 and 11,400 years ago, a time when seasonal water bodies re-emerged following a period of severe aridity.

These water sources, identified through sediment analysis, facilitated early human migration into the interior desert and offered rare survival opportunities.

“These large-scale sculptures are not just rock art; they likely represent assertions of existence, access, and cultural identity,” noted Dr. Maria Guanine, an archaeologist at the Max Planck Institute.

“Rock art signifies water sources and movement routes, potentially indicating territorial rights and intergenerational memory,” added Dr. Seri Shipton, an archaeologist at the University of London.

In contrast to previously known sites where sculptures were hidden in crevices, the Jebel Mleiha and Jebel Arnaan panels were carved on the face of a towering 39-meter cliff, making them visually dominant.

One panel required ancient artists to ascend narrow ledges to create their work, emphasizing the effort and significance attributed to the imagery.

Various artifacts, including Levantine-style Erkiam, Hellwan stone points, green pigments, and dental beads, indicate extensive connections to pre-Pottery Neolithic (PPN) populations in the Levant.

Nevertheless, the size, content, and arrangement of these Arabian sculptures distinguish them from others.

“This unique form of symbolic representation reflects a distinct cultural identity evolved to thrive in harsh, arid environments,” stated Dr. Faisal Al Ghibrien, a heritage researcher at the Saudi Ministry of Culture.

“The project’s interdisciplinary approach aims to bridge significant gaps in the Northern Arabian archaeological record between the last Glacial Maximum and the Holocene, shedding light on the resilience and innovation of early desert communities,” remarked Dr. Petraglia.

The team’s paper has been published in the journal Nature Communications.

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M. Guanine et al. 2025. Monumental rock art indicates that humans thrived in the Arabian desert during the Pleistocene and Holocene transitions. Nature Communications 16, 8249; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-63417-y

Source: www.sci.news

Rate the Incoming Aliens from Space Rock: On a Scale of 1 to 10!

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A new scientist. Science News and Long read from expert journalists and cover the science, technology, health and environmental development of websites and magazines.

Feedback is New Scientist Popular Sideways monitors the latest in science and technology news. You can contact Feedback@newscientist.com to share items you think might intrigue our readers.

In the Name of Science…

One of the highest honors in science is to have an object named in your memory. An example is geographer Alexander von Humboldt, remembered by various geographic landmarks including Humboldt Penguins and Humboldt Mountains.

Congratulations to Harvard astronomer Abraham “Avi” Loeb. A regular contributor to New Scientist over the past decade, Loeb has focused on the nature of interstellar objects traversing our solar system, starting with “Oumuamua” in 2017 and continuing with Comet 3i/Atlas this year.

Loeb has garnered significant attention by suggesting that these objects might be artificial in origin, a claim that has stirred skepticism among many peers. This skepticism intensified in 2023 when he allegedly identified fragments of interstellar meteors on the ocean floor. It turns out the signal he referenced was likely generated by “vehicles moving across the road beside the seismometer.”

Nevertheless, there are now efforts to classify interstellar objects, as detailed in a preprint. The classification will assess such objects based on their potential artificiality and whether they might impact Earth, ranging from 0 (consistent with known natural phenomena) to 10 (confirmed extraterrestrial artificial origin poses global threats).

Feedback is somewhat muddled as the scale seems to evaluate two variables simultaneously. Ignoring the most alarming cases, a rating of 8 or higher indicates definite extraterrestrial origins. The intriguing scores lie between 2 and 7, indicating varying degrees of potential artificial origins, from “non-gravitational acceleration” and “unusual shapes” to “operational signs” and “responsive behaviors.”

Feedback isn’t just about how you gauge some of these. Consider the odd structure of a space object, such as Mimas, Saturn’s moon, which resembles the Star Wars Death Star, though it is not a space station. There have also been numerous alerts regarding possible alien radio signals, as distinguishing artificial electromagnetic waves from natural ones proves challenging.

Everything seems a bit vague, so I decided to delve into the creators of the Loeb scale. Two are sports psychologists from Reichmann University in Israel, clearly at odds. The third one is Loeb himself.

Utility Vehicle for Dogs

Feedback frequently considers units of measurement, such as whether data transfer velocity can be assessed using a DVD-equipped snail.

Reader William Dockendorf introduces something entirely new. There’s a new vehicle in the U.S. called the Slate, described as a “two-door electric pickup truck” that can be customized endlessly, even as an SUV. Dockendorf humorously notes that “probably no one will buy it.”

The company website, slate.auto, features an extensive FAQ section, addressing questions like “How much junk can you fit in the bed?” Interestingly, “Frunk” is not a typo, as many electric vehicles have a front storage compartment often referred to as a “front trunk.”

In any case, measurements are provided in feet and cubic feet, detailing what William terms “fairly typical” items, like how a “55-inch flat screen TV (in a box)” fits in the cargo area. However, he also whimsically mentioned that “about 30 dachshunds” would also fit there.

William feels that it’s essential to “measure everything by an approximate count of dachshunds.” Feedback wonders if these are living dachshunds, or if they are non-living—possibly deceased and preserved like sardines.

The Latest Fart

After discovering Flavor Analysis and Recognition Transformers (FART), I sought more examples of clever acronyms, or at least some that are hopelessly entertaining. Below are your options from the Email Flood. This is destined to be a repeated topic, at least until morale picks up.

Firstly, Thomas Cleger writes about a regional bus and railway company in Ticino, the only Swiss canton where Italian is the sole official language. Its name in Italian is Ferovie Autoline Regional Ticinensis. Feedback confirms its authenticity, and its official website is entertaining: fartiamo.ch.

A few years back, physicist Paul Davis mentioned attending the launch of the “Australian and Japanese Space Ray Experimental Setup” near Uomera, Australia. This collaborative project also known as CANGAROO is an Outback gamma-ray observatory. “The perfect blend of creativity,” Davis remarked.

However, the final word should go to paleontologist John Hawks, who wrote about a paper he found in the American Journal of Human Genetics. The study discusses “How to estimate mutation rates and recent demographic histories from exceptionally large samples.” “Very large” refers to a dataset of 1 million genomes. Naturally, they deployed their resources to Diffusion of Rare Elements but ended up calling it “Dr. Evil.”

“I had quite a lot of fun,” Hawks noted. To which Feedback can only add: “Yeah, baby!”

Have you had a feedback moment?

You can submit stories to feedback via email at feedback@newscientist.com. Don’t forget to include your home address. This week’s and previous feedback can be found on our website.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Niger Probes $5 Million Sale of Earth’s Largest Martian Rock

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Dakar, Senegal – the largest meteorite discovered on Earth – a 54-pound (25 kilograms) rock that fetched over $5 million at a New York auction last month, setting a world record.

However, in a West African nation where rusty red rocks have been excavated from the Sahara desert, authorities have initiated an investigation into what they describe as “illegal international trafficking,” suggesting it may have been smuggled from the country.

Here’s what you should know about meteorites and legal controversies:

How was it discovered

According to Sotheby’s, the rock, designated NWA 16788, was dislodged from the surface of Mars by a massive asteroid collision and journeyed 140 million miles (225 million kilometers) to Earth.

It was uncovered in the Sahara, northwest Niger by an unnamed meteorite hunter in November 2023, as per the auction house’s report. The identities of buyers remain undisclosed.

In the arid regions of the Sahara like Niger, meteorite hunting is on the rise. While meteorites can fall anywhere on Earth, the Sahara has emerged as a prime location for their discovery due to its climate, which is conducive to conservation.

Hunters often seek space rocks to sell to collectors and scientists. The most coveted and valuable meteorites are from Mars and the Moon.

As reported by the Heritage Academic Journal, the rock was sold to international dealers and eventually made it to a private gallery in Italy. Last year, a team of scientists from the University of Florence examined the rock to determine its structure and origins before it fell to Earth.

The meteorite was briefly showcased in Rome before appearing at the New York auction last month.

Why Niger is investigating

Following the sale, Niger raised concerns about how the meteorite was made available for auction.

Last month, the Niger government launched an inquiry into the discovery and sale of meteorites, stating that it resembles “illegal international trafficking.”

Last week, President Abdullah Hamanetiani halted the export of precious stones, semi-precious stones, and meteorites to ensure proper traceability.

In a statement to the Associated Press, Sotheby’s maintained that the meteorite was exported from Niger and transported in line with all applicable international regulations.

“In selling this item, all necessary documentation was obtained at each stage of the journey, consistent with best practices and the requirements of the involved countries,” the statement indicated.

Niger authorities did not respond to inquiries from the Associated Press.

What international law says

Patti Garstenblis, a cultural heritage attorney and expert on illegal trade, noted that rare minerals like meteorites are recognized as cultural property under the UNESCO Cultural Property Treaty, which both Niger and the United States have ratified.

However, Garstenbliss pointed out that Niger needs to establish ownership and that the meteorite was stolen.

“I doubt Niger could reclaim the meteorite if it wasn’t stolen and was properly declared upon entering the U.S.,” she stated to the Associated Press.

Paleontologist Paul Sereno, who has spent years uncovering dinosaur fossils in Niger’s Sahara, is advocating for the return of the nation’s cultural and natural heritage, including meteorites.

“When laws clearly state that rare minerals like meteorites are cultural artifacts, unique and valuable items cannot just be claimed without consideration for the country,” he told the AP.

“We are no longer in a colonial era,” he added.

In certain countries, including Morocco, a major source of meteoritic specimens for international markets, if an object is found on their territory, compensation is required. Nonetheless, due to the expansive desert regions and the informal trading networks, enforcement remains challenging.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Discovery of a New Rock Type Originating from the Old Slug Heap

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French lens slug heap

Caroline Bancoilly/Alamie

Nearly two decades ago, New Scientist conducted a thought experiment titled “Imagine Earth Without People,” projecting how our planet would evolve over millennia in the absence of humanity. This intriguing exploration highlighted the environmental impacts of our species without relying on speculative dread. The takeaway was clear: while it would take considerable time, nature would eventually reclaim its landscapes, leaving scant evidence of our existence. “What’s humbling and paradoxical is that Earth forgets us so swiftly,” the piece concluded.

This reflection resurfaced when I encountered a recent research article in Geology, where researchers from the University of Glasgow unveiled a geological process indicating that the Earth may never truly forget us.

The team investigated the geology of Derwent Howe along the coast of Cumbria, England, a site that served as a major iron and steel hub for about 125 years from the 1850s. This location generated massive amounts of industrial waste known as slag, with approximately 27 million cubic meters deposited along a two-kilometer stretch of coastline. While the slag heaps persist, they are steadily eroded by oceanic forces.

During their fieldwork, researchers discovered outcrops comprised of unusual sedimentary rock types. Formerly sandy shores had their geology altered quite recently, clearly indicating detrital formations made of fragments from other rocks and minerals. A closer examination revealed that this material was derived from the slag heaps, suggesting a cycle where the slag erodes, enters the ocean, and rapidly solidifies into rocks onshore.

Remarkably, this process occurs much faster than typical rock formation, which usually spans thousands or millions of years. Here, however, it seems to transpire in mere decades.

Rock industrial waste on the Cambria coastline is turning into rocks in just a few decades, research reveals

University of Glasgow

Even more astonishingly, the researchers uncovered two artifacts embedded in this rapid rock formation. One was a penny minted in 1934, and the other was a pull tab from an aluminum beverage can, less than 36 years old. This suggests that calcification can happen in mere decades, leading the team to propose a new geological process termed the “anthropomorphized rock cycle.”

Researchers suggest that this is an entirely new geological process: anthropomorphized rock cycle.

“What’s remarkable is we’ve found that human-made materials can integrate into natural systems and dissolve over decades,” explained Amanda Owen, the team leader, to the University of Glasgow news team. “This challenges our understanding of rock formation and implies that the waste created during the modern era will have a lasting impact on our future.”

Much like with Derwent Howe, this phenomenon extends worldwide. A similar rock was discovered near Bilbao, Spain in 2022, though dating it proved challenging. David Brown, a team member, noted that slag waste presents a worldwide occurrence that will turn into rocks wherever it interacts with ocean waves.

At first glance, this might seem problematic. The environmental implications of such processes remain ambiguous. However, this discovery could indeed have a silver lining. If industrial waste solidifies into rock formations, that may offer a neat, albeit indirect, way to manage it. Rocks from Derwent Howe also revealed remnants of clothing, plastics, car tires, and fiberglass. Perhaps this process could serve as a rapid disposal method for our discarded remnants.

The study yields varied conclusions. For years, Earth scientists have debated the designation of a new geological epoch called the Anthropocene, to acknowledge that humanity has superseded natural processes as the primary influence on Earth’s systems. I’m a strong advocate for this designation, as it underscores the myriad perturbations in natural processes that have kept our planet habitable for millennia. Yet, last year, the International Geological Union opted not to endorse the Anthropocene due to controversy regarding its inception.

Now more than ever seems the right moment to reconsider that decision. Our impact on Earth’s surface marks the beginning of a new geological chapter that commenced roughly 175 years ago, observable by future civilizations. If this isn’t a new geological era, then what is?

Graham’s Week

What I’m reading

I’m listening to an anthology of comedic poems by Tim Key on audiobook.

What I’m watching

Wimbledon, the Women’s Euro, and later this month, the British and Irish Lions Rugby Test Series against Australia.

What I’m working on

I’m tending to my vegetable garden. As a beginner, I’m learning from my mistakes. How can you tell when beetroots are ready to be harvested?

Graham Lawton is a staff writer for New Scientist and the author of Must Not Grumble: The Surprising Science of Everyday Ailments. You can follow him @grahamlawton

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Niede Guidon, 92, Archaeologist Renowned for Preserving Prehistoric Rock Art, Passes Away

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Nide Guin, a Brazilian archaeologist known for challenging long-held theories about early human life in the Americas, significantly influenced the transformation of the Hard Scrabble region in northeastern Brazil into Serra da Capybara National Park. She passed away on Wednesday at her home near the park in Saint-Rymande Nohto, at the age of 92.

According to park director Marian Rodriguez, the cause of death was a heart attack.

Dr. Guidon gained international recognition for her controversial assertion that humans may have arrived in the Americas over 30,000 years ago. However, there was little dispute about her accomplishments in documenting and preserving ancient rock paintings in Piau’s semi-arid, cactus-laden landscape.

In 1979, following her claims, the Brazilian government designated the area as a national park, and by 1991, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, largely thanks to her efforts. She also played a crucial role in establishing two nearby museums: the American Museum opened in 1996, and the Natural Museum in 2018. Moreover, she was instrumental in attracting investment to the town, leading to the creation of a new airport and a federal university campus, thereby enhancing public education in the region.

Antoine Lourdes, a French archaeologist who collaborated with Dr. Guidon from 2006 for nearly a decade, remarked in an interview, “The most effective way to safeguard the paintings was to empower people to protect their environment.” He emphasized that many archaeologists are often unaware of the social implications of their work.

Dr. Guidon was particularly adept at training and employing women in regions where domestic violence and gender inequality prevailed. Dr. Guidon’s 2023 biography captures many poignant testimonies from women who achieved financial independence and improved their situations significantly.

In addition to her work in parks and museums, many locals have become guides and custodians. Local products like honey and ceramics are sold across the nation, thanks to an initiative Dr. Guidon launched in the 1990s.

Nide Guidon was born on March 12, 1933, in Hau, a small city in São Paulo. While “Nade” is a common Brazilian name, “Nide” is not. She was named after the River Need, which flows through France and Germany, reflecting her father’s French heritage.

After obtaining a degree in natural history from the University of São Paulo in 1958, Guidon began her career as a teacher in a small Roman Catholic community in Itápolis. However, following her exposure of corruption within the school system in early 1959, she faced backlash from the town’s administrators.

As a single woman who drove cars, publicly taught evolution, and challenged conservative norms, she became a target in the traditional town of Itápolis. Following intense protests, she and two colleagues were forced to flee with police protection.

“All that was missing to complete the medieval scene was a bonfire to burn witches,” she recounted to reporters at that time. A 2024 podcast delves into her life.

Later that year, she secured a position at the Paulista Museum in São Paulo, where her interest in archaeology blossomed, particularly during an exhibition showcasing rock paintings from northeastern Brazil.

However, her initial attempts to see the paintings in 1963 were thwarted by a bridge collapse that blocked access. Following a brief exile in Paris, she was arrested by the military dictatorship that had taken power in Brazil.

While studying archaeology in France, she earned her PhD from the University of Paris in 1975, returning to Brazil frequently for fieldwork. By 1970, Dr. Guidon finally visited the rock paintings in Piau, intrigued by their complexity, and began organizing teams for extensive cataloging of hundreds of archaeological sites.

She settled in San Raimundo Nonato in 1986, where she became known affectionately as “the doctor.”

In the 1990s, excavations near the painting sites uncovered carbon-dated materials suggesting human presence 30,000 years ago — a finding that astonished Dr. Guidon. Yet, other scientists, particularly those adhering to the Clovis model, were highly skeptical, proposing that humans arrived in the Americas much later, around 13,000 years ago.

While the consensus today acknowledges ancient human settlement in North America, Dr. Guidon’s findings continue to spark debate, as questions linger regarding the origins of the materials uncovered near the painted area.

Nevertheless, her work has drawn attention, funding, and resources to Piau, with even some of her academic critics recognizing her contributions.

Andre Strauss, an archaeologist at the University of São Paulo, expressed his doubts about some of Dr. Guidon’s findings but acknowledged her charisma. He likened her to Churchill, noting her ability to engage people dramatically. Despite the scholarly debates, she never abandoned the vibrant life she carved out in Paris.

On the morning of June 5th, she was laid to rest in the garden of her home in San Raimundo Nonato.

Source: www.nytimes.com

From Rough Sleeper to Viral Prankster: The Journey of Alex Warren’s Pop and Rock Sensation

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T 18, Alex Warren found himself homeless in Carlsbad, California. He resorted to sneaking into a local gym for showers and toilet singing while preparing for job interviews and filming Tiktok videos. Fast forward six years later, and he is now a rising star in the world of pop music. His bold ballads have topped the UK charts for five consecutive weeks, making him the longest-running chart-topper of the year. Last week, he cracked the top ten in the US. Upon hearing the final version of his hit, he expressed his excitement, stating that he and his wife listened to it repeatedly during their entire drive home.

Despite potentially being a breakout hit, Warren was already quite famous. He gained recognition on social media by creating viral content, particularly with teenagers. In 2019, he filed a lawsuit against fellow content creators, including D’Amelio Sisters and Addison Rae, for their controversial internet videos during the Covid era, resulting in a hefty settlement. Additionally, he was a star on Netflix’s Hype House Show, where he went to great lengths to film prank videos, even staging a fake wedding with his real wife, influencer Kouvr Annon.

Warren has since transitioned to a more positive lifestyle, settling in Tennessee with Annon and embracing a new chapter in his life. Reflecting on his upbringing in a financially strained and abusive environment, Warren has found solace in his music, creating songs that resonate with his own struggles and hopes to provide comfort and inspiration to his fans.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/u2ah9tWTkmk?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Alex Warren – Ordinary (Official Music Video)" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

Despite facing adversity and skepticism, Warren remains determined to share his music with the world. With a supportive team behind him, he aims to diversify his projects and connect with fans on a deeper emotional level. Through his music, Warren hopes to make a positive impact and spread messages of love and resilience.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Tajikistan Unearthed: A Paleolithic Rock Cave Called Soy Havzak

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The Soy Habzak trenches in Tajikistan's Zeravshan Valley are the remains of several Paleolithic occupation phases rich in stone tools, fauna, and charcoal remains.

The Soi Habzak Caves are one of the few multi-layered Paleolithic ruins in Central Asia. Image credit: Yossi Zaidner & Sharof Kurbanov, doi: 10.15184/aqy.2024.149.

Soy Habzak is a small tributary of the Zeravshan River approximately 10 km north of Panjikent in northern Tajikistan.

The Soi Havzak ruins are rock shelters/overhangs carved into the cliff face approximately 40 meters above the river.

Professor Yossi Zeidner of the Hebrew University, Dr. Sharov Kurbanov of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan and colleagues excavated three areas of the site, revealing layers of human activity.

Archaeologists have discovered a wealth of Paleolithic stone tools, animal bones, and plants.

The finds date back to various periods between 150,000 and 20,000 years ago.

These provide important evidence that Central Asia played an important role in early human migration and development.

“It turns out that the Zeravshan Valley, which in the Middle Ages was primarily known as the route of the Silk Road, was an important route for human expansion long before that, from 20,000 to 150,000 years ago,” said Zeidner. the professor said.

“This region may have served as a migratory route for several human species that may have coexisted in this region, including modern Homo sapiens, Neanderthals, and Denisovans, and our The aim of the study is to determine who the humans were who lived in this region and the nature of their interactions.

Paleolithic stone tools discovered in the Soi Habzak cave complex in Tajikistan. Image credit: Yossi Zaidner & Sharof Kurbanov, doi: 10.15184/aqy.2024.149.

The well-preserved finds at Soi Habzak not only provide valuable clues about the ancient climate and environment, but also the possibility of discovering hominin artifacts that could identify the species of humans that lived in the area. also brings.

“The state of preservation of not only the bones but also the organic matter, such as the remains of burnt wood, is amazing,” said Professor Zeidner.

“This allows us to reconstruct the region's ancient climate and provides hope that further excavations may reveal clues about the region's human biology.”

“This is critical to understanding the development of human population and behavior in Central Asia.”

This research has broader implications for the study of human evolution and migration, particularly for understanding how ancient human populations interacted.

The Soi Habzak site in the mountain corridor of Central Asia may have served as an important transition point for human populations, allowing early humans to spread across vast areas.

“We hope that ongoing research at this site will provide new insights into how different human groups, including modern humans, Neanderthals, and Denisovans, interacted in this region. '' said Professor Zeidner.

“This discovery is an important step towards understanding the history of ancient humans in Central Asia and demonstrates important collaboration between international scientific teams.”

a paper A description of the discovery was published in a magazine ancient.

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Yossi Zeidner & Sharov Kurbanov. Soii Havzak: A new Paleolithic site in the Zeravshan Valley in central Tajikistan. ancientpublished online on November 4, 2024. doi: 10.15184/aqy.2024.149

Source: www.sci.news

Earthquakes as a possible explanation for the formation of giant gold nuggets in quartz rock

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A replica of the “Welcome Stranger,” a 100 kg gold nugget discovered in Australia in 1869.

Ian Dagnall/Alamy

Earthquakes can create electric fields that attract gold dissolved in liquids pushed up from deep within the earth, causing gold nuggets to form in the quartz.

Giant gold nuggets are often associated with quartz, a ubiquitous but chemically inert mineral. The world's largest gold nuggets can weigh nearly 100 kilograms, but until now no one has been able to explain how such masses of precious metal formed.

“The mystery was how someone could create such a large nugget of gold in one place without any obvious chemical or physical traps,” he said. Chris Voysey At Monash University, Melbourne.

Voysey and his colleagues discovered a possible mechanism: applying pressure to the quartz creates a voltage that attracts gold dissolved in water.

The secret lies in the structure of quartz, Voysey explains. Quartz is the only abundant mineral whose crystals have no center of symmetry. This means that when these crystals are strained or stressed by seismic activity, their internal electromagnetic makeup changes, generating electricity. Electricity generated in response to mechanical stress is known as piezoelectricity.

Gold-bearing hydrothermal fluids rise up through fissures during seismic activity from the mid-to-lower crust, 15-20 km below the surface, but gold is so dilute that it would take the equivalent of five Olympic swimming pools of hydrothermal fluid to produce 10 kg of gold.

Voysey and his colleagues hypothesized that the piezoelectric properties of quartz would cause the gold to concentrate in nodules within the veins during repeated earthquakes. To test this idea, the team performed experiments in which they placed quartz crystals in a gold-containing solution and applied moderate pressure from an actuator.

Quartz samples that were not subjected to pressure did not attract gold, but samples subjected to force generated a voltage and attracted the metal. Some of the samples were coated with iridium to accentuate the piezoelectric response of the quartz and artificially mimic the expansion of seismic activity. In these samples, large gold flakes grew, over 6000 nanometers, compared to 200-300 nanometers in uncoated quartz.

Once gold starts to deposit on the quartz, it quickly attracts other gold, Voysey says. “Gold is a conductor, so gold in solution tends to deposit on top of existing gold,” he says. “It becomes like a lightning rod that attracts more gold.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rock and Roll Bird Enthusiast Inspires You to Explore the Sky on a Nature Walk | Podcast

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IIt’s not often that I get excited about the announcement of a new podcast, but in the past few weeks, that’s happened not once but twice. The first was the podcast debut of Gracie Nuttall, sister of the late cancer activist Laura Nuttall.
Dead Siblings Association
She’s teamed up with the founder of Sibling Support Charity to take an intimate look at what it’s like to lose a brother or sister.
Room to grieve
The show was created by two mothers who met after losing their children to cancer to help others cope with grief, and what it lacks in production value it more than makes up for with its altruism, courage, and honesty in its treatment of themes like getting through difficult anniversaries and how the experience of loss changes over time.

This week we also have a less inspiring historical analysis of toilets, which, alongside a quirky topical satire from the makers of Have I Got News for You and an immersive attempt to bring birdwatching to hipsters, is one of those films that’s more likely to leave you snorting with laughter than dampening your handkerchief.

Alexi Duggins
Deputy TV Editor

This week’s picks




Sissy Spacek co-stars with Owen Wilson and Schuyler Fisk in the film Tom Slick: Mystery Hunter. Photo: Rebecca Cabbage/InVision/AP

Tom Slick: Mystery Hunter

Widely available, with weekly episodes

Starring Owen Wilson, Sissy Spacek, and Schuyler Fisk, the story is about “the most interesting man you’ve never heard of.” Wilson relishes playing Slick, a legendary scientist, intrepid explorer, and sometime spy who recounts his many adventures. His granddaughter Liv (Fisk) and her mother Claire (Spacek) hunt for the Yeti and find hidden tapes detailing Slick’s exploits facing off against notorious bank robber Machine Gun Kelly.
Hannah Verdier

History Extra: Toilets Through the Ages

Widely available, with weekly episodes


A sponge on a stick, thunderbolts in the bum and a devil in the toilet bowl: delving deep into history’s U-curves can reveal fascinating facts. Dr. David Musgrove teams up with a team of historians to explore Roman, Medieval, Tudor, and Victorian toilet habits in a four-part series that reveals a lot about the past.
HV

This week’s news

Widely available, with weekly episodes


Is Donald Trump’s running mate interesting? And that Is there ever a photo more destined for history than Ed Miliband eating a bacon sandwich? Created by the team behind Have I Got News for You to fill the gap between the TV series, this show is predictably stimulating and full of jokes.
Alexi Duggins

Rock and Roll Birder


Widely available, with weekly episodes


In this immersive birdwatching series, hipster amateur ornithologist Matt Spracklen goes on weekly walks with bird experts. The first episode of Season 2 is a relaxed and fun listen as he visits Sherwood Forest with Springwatch wildlife experts. The bottom line? A common way to identify a bird is by its “sem” (the overall impression you get of the bird’s shape, movement, etc.).
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Pod Class

Widely available, with weekly episodes


Elizabeth Day knows a thing or two about writing a bestselling novel, but in this insightful how-to series she takes a backseat and hands the reins over to literary powerhouses novelist Sarah Collins, agent Nell Andrew, and publisher Charmaine Lovegrove. First, how to know if your idea is worth pursuing.
Holly Richardson

There is a podcast




Poseidon is one of the gods featured in “Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby!” Photo: Cristiano Fronteddu/Alamy

this week, Charlie Lindler 5 best podcasts Ancient HistoryFrom comedic takes on the stories they don’t teach you in school from the star of Horrible Histories, to timeless, myth-busting adventures.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Outburst of Yellowstone Hydrothermal Explosion Sends Geysers of Rock and Steam Soaring

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A hydrothermal explosion occurred just north of Old Faithful geyser on Tuesday, spewing rocks and steam into the air and forcing visitors to flee to safety, Yellowstone National Park officials said.

According to the National Park Service, the explosion happened around 10:19 a.m. in Biscuit Basin, about two miles northwest of Old Faithful, and no one was injured and the extent of damage is unknown. It said in a statement.

The type of explosion that occurred on Tuesday was hot water related, “rapidly ejecting boiling water, steam, mud and rock debris,” the statement said. According to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Eruption video People, including children, were seen running as columns of black and grey matter and steam spewed into the air.

Yellowstone is famous for its hot springs and thermal pools.

According to the USGS, a hydrothermal explosion occurs when underground water at or near boiling point is rapidly transformed into a stream of water due to a drop in pressure.

Outbursts like Tuesday’s are “relatively common in Yellowstone,” the USGS said. It said in a statement Following the incident, Norris Geyser Basin reported a small explosion in April, and Biscuit Basin reported an explosion in 2009.

Photos posted by Yellowstone National Park showed a nearby trail covered in dirt, rocks and debris.

The National Park Service said the trails and parking lots are closed until further notice due to safety concerns, and noted the explosion is not related to any volcanic activity.

Park staff and USGS personnel are monitoring the situation and will determine when the area can be reopened, officials said.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Using a combination of crushed rock and fertilizer can decrease nitrous oxide emissions on farms

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Spreading rock dust on fields can sequester carbon and reduce nitrous oxide emissions.

SO-Photography/Alamy Stock Photo

Spreading crushed basalt on farmland and using special fertilisers to prevent nitrogen loss could cut global agricultural emissions of gases that are a powerful driver of global warming by 25%.

Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas with a warming potential 270 times greater than carbon dioxide. It has increased by 40% in the past 40 yearsAgriculture is a major factor, due to increased use of nitrogen-based fertilisers and rising livestock numbers.

Microorganisms in the soil convert ammonium in manure and animal waste into nitrates, releasing nitrous oxide in the process. Compounds that interfere with this process are called nitrification inhibitors, and can be added to fertilizer to reduce nitrous oxide emissions. Applying basalt dust to the soil, a technique called enhanced rock weathering (ERW), can also help by making the soil more alkaline.

However, nitrous oxide emissions are not only a global warming pollutant, they also have a complex relationship with the ozone layer, and in some circumstances even help it recover, so figuring out the best way to mitigate nitrous oxide emissions without damaging the ozone layer is difficult.

To address this, Maria Val Martin Researchers from the University of Sheffield in the UK modelled the impacts of widespread use of both ERW and nitrification inhibitors on nitrous oxide emissions and the ozone layer under two different climate scenarios.

The researchers found that a “moderate” approach, in which ERWs were introduced in key regions around the world and most farmers except the poorest used nitrification inhibitors, could reduce nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture by 25 percent, while nitrous oxide emissions overall would be reduced by 5 percent. These gases also come from combustion engines and industry.

What's more, up to two gigatons of additional carbon could be sequestered in the soil thanks to ERW, and neither scenario would harm the ozone layer, Val Martin says.

“we [carbon] “Enhanced rock weathering would sequestrate carbon dioxide, reduce nitrous oxide emissions, which is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide, resulting in climate benefits, and protection of the ozone layer,” she says.

Deploying nitrous oxide abatement efforts on this scale would cost billions of dollars. Sequestering carbon using ERW costs between $80 and $180 per tonne of CO2. According to previous researchAccording to Val Martin, reducing nitrous oxide emissions is a “free” side benefit of carbon sequestration. Applying nitrification inhibitors costs about $28-45 per hectare, which would cost $17-27 billion per year to cover the 600 million hectares modelled in the study – roughly one-eighth of all agricultural land.

Still, Val Martin says the scenario is deliberately cautiously ambitious, and one that could play out in the real world. “What we wanted to do in this study is to come up with a realistic scenario, so if governments want to curb nitrous oxide emissions, [these] It’s a strategy we’re implementing.”

Parbhu Suntaralingam Researchers from the University of East Anglia in the UK say new strategies to curb nitrous oxide emissions are urgently needed, and that this research is particularly valuable because it focuses on curbing emissions without damaging the ozone layer.

topic:

  • Agriculture/
  • Greenhouse gas emissions

Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient snake painting holds record as world’s largest rock art

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Animal sculptures carved into rocks along the Orinoco River in South America

Philip Riris et al.

The prehistoric rock carvings of giant snakes along the Orinoco River in South America are some of the largest known rock art in the world, some measuring over 40 metres in length.

The Orinoco is one of the world’s largest rivers, and it flows through Venezuela along the border with Colombia. “There is a fantastic record of rock art along the Orinoco, especially on the Venezuelan side,” he said. Jose Oliver at University College London. “Typically, they are paintings found under rocks.”

He said carvings are common at many open-air sites along the river, but not all of them have been officially recorded.

Oliver and his colleagues have made several visits to the coastal areas on both the Colombian and Venezuelan sides of the river since 2015, trying to get a better picture of the river’s rock carvings.

“It wasn’t hard to find new sites,” a team member said. Philip Lillis Professor at Bournemouth University in the UK. “Every time I turned a corner there was always something new.”

Of the 157 rock art sites the team visited, 13 consisted of carvings over four meters in height. “Anything that size is monumental to us,” Lillis says, “meaning they’re often visible from quite a distance, anywhere from 500 meters to a kilometer away.”

Most of the carvings depict humans, mammals, birds, centipedes, scrolls and geometric shapes, but snakes are one of the largest motifs, the largest measuring 132 feet (42 meters) wide. In indigenous Orinoco mythology, anacondas and boa constrictors are highly revered because they are primordial creator beings, Lillis said.

The prominence of rock art along the river suggests that the ancient carvings may have been territorial markers indicating that a particular group lived there, but not necessarily a warning not to trespass. “The carvings were not exclusionary, but rather may have been an inclusive practice shared between communities,” Lillis says.

Pottery excavated in the area, dated to 2,000 years ago, contains motifs similar to those in the carvings, suggesting that the rock art was created 2,000 years ago as well.

The team hopes to find more of these carvings and glean clues about their origin and purpose — for example, many of them are found close to rock shelters containing burial sites, suggesting a possible connection to ancient funerary practices.

“This is valuable research.” Andres Troncoso “This discovery sheds light on rock art in a little-known part of South America and furthers our knowledge of the region,” said researchers from the University of Chile.

“When Westerners think of rock art, they often think of mammoths, cave lions, and other large mammals that inhabit the Pleistocene cave sites of Western Europe,” he said. Patrick Roberts Commenting on the findings, a researcher from the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology in Germany said: “However, the giant snake carving studied in this paper is one of the largest single rock art in the world, and was found in the heart of a lowland tropical environment.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Newly Found Ancient Rock Art Ruins Unearthed in Sudan’s Eastern Desert

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Archaeologists from Macquarie University and the Polish Academy of Sciences' Institute of Mediterranean and Oriental Cultures have discovered 16 new rock art sites in Sudan's eastern desert, or 'Atobai'. Almost all of his newly discovered 4,000-year-old artwork depicts the presence of cows.

Rock art from the area around Gebel Nahoganet in the eastern desert of Sudan. Image credit: Cooper other., doi: 10.1177/03075133231211.

“Finding a cow carved into a desert rock face was puzzling, as cows require large amounts of water and acres of pasture, and cannot survive in today's arid conditions in the Sahara Desert.” said Macquarie University researcher Dr Julian Cooper.

“The presence of cows in ancient rock art is one of the most important pieces of evidence for a former 'Green Sahara.'”

Rock art found in eastern Sudan also depicts the desert as a grassy savanna filled with ponds, rivers, swamps, and waterholes and home to a variety of African savannah animals, including giraffes and elephants.

The idea of ​​a “Green Sahara'' has been proven through previous archeological and climate fieldwork and research, and experts are calling this the “African Wet Period''. This is a period of increased summer monsoon precipitation that began about 15,000 years ago and ended about 5,000 years ago.

Depictions of humans alongside cows may indicate the act of milking, suggesting that the area was once occupied by cattle pastoralists until the 2nd or 3rd millennium BC.

After this point, reduced rainfall made cattle grazing impossible.

Currently, the region receives very little annual precipitation.

At the end of the “African Wet Period”, around 3000 BC, lakes and rivers began to dry up, dry pastures became covered with sand, and most of humanity left the Sahara Desert to seek refuge near the Nile River.

“The Atbai desert around Wadi Halfa, where new rock art was discovered, was almost completely depopulated. For those who remained, cattle were abandoned for sheep and goats,” the archaeologists said.

“This would have profoundly affected every aspect of human life, from diets and limited milk supplies to the movement patterns of nomadic families and the identity and livelihoods of those who depended on cattle.”

team's paper Published in Egyptian Archeology Journal.

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julian cooper other. 2023. Rock art research in the eastern desert of Sudan: Results of the 2018-2019 Atobai research project. Egyptian Archeology Journal 109 (1-2); doi: 10.1177/03075133231211

Source: www.sci.news

Review: Reigns Beyond – A Spacefaring Rock Band Adventure in Absurdity | Games

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YYou might recall the Reigns series, known for its tie-in with Game of Thrones. The hallmark of the game is its Tinder-esque card swiping, where you swipe left and right to make instantaneous decisions before witnessing the outcomes. After crash-landing on a random planet, you find yourself becoming a part of an intergalactic rock band. This seems like an obvious choice, considering that you accidentally kill the band’s guitarist on a ship that spirals out of control. From there, you embark on a journey across the stars, visiting planets, picking up stowaways, encountering eerie space creatures, and occasionally uncovering secrets about space (or ships with mystical consciousness).

You’ll also experience numerous deaths. Rarely have I played a game where death occurs so frequently yet remains entertaining. I’ve succumbed to deadly space germs, suffocated by fluffy space bunnies, and even had my head bitten off by a shark-like manager. I’ve encountered explosions, gasped for air, choked, and starved. On one occasion, I accidentally wiped out all life in a solar system by plugging in a guitar amp. Each time you die, you’re reborn at the last planet you visited and ready to embark on another journey. With Reigns, there are no lasting repercussions, only temporary and catastrophic setbacks.

This doesn’t entirely eliminate the frustration. I lost most of my space battles, which quickly became tedious. When you aim to progress by acquiring a new guitar or visiting specific planets, random mishaps can lose their charm. Repetitive scenarios begin to surface fairly soon, within a few hours. However, Reigns never fails to be engaging, and I find myself eager to jump back in to see what absurdity unfolds next.

Reigns Beyond serves as a wild space adventure that you can dive into for brief 10-minute sessions, and the swift and witty dialogue is impressive. However, I began to question why I was part of a band. While you may land on a planet and perform a concert, these musical interludes are repetitive, unchallenging, and trivial. It’s amusing and surprisingly expansive as a space ensemble comedy, but somewhat superficial as a band buddy comedy. I also ponder if the title is facing any resistance at this point. “Reigns” made sense when it focused on being a monarch of varying competence, but it doesn’t quite embody comedic sci-fi, so it receives a pass. Sacrifices were made. It’s a minor tragedy. Because you won’t encounter anything as ludicrous as this multi-hour space journey for under-fives.

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“Reigns Beyond” is currently in theaters. £4.49

Source: www.theguardian.com

“Remembering the Karaoke Inventor: A Tribute to a Life of Honor and Ridiculousness” | Pop and Rock

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Conventional wisdom suggests that music critics who criticize popular pop stars are often dismissed as failed musicians. This notion has always seemed like an unfair judgment to me. Rather than being a slight against harsh critics, it seems more like a criticism of musicians who have not achieved success in the industry. The question arises: why do some people fail in music? Implying that success is solely determined by talent or professional circumstances severely underestimates the allure of music, as exemplified nowhere better than in karaoke.

Karaoke establishments embrace a culture of incompetence, where grandeur, off-key performances, and unconventional stage presence are not only accepted but celebrated. In this environment, the “unpopular musician” takes on a captivating persona, becoming a standout figure in the music industry.

The recent passing of Shigekazu Negishi, the inventor of the karaoke machine, at the age of 100 highlighted the significant impact of his creation. Negishi, a Japanese consumer electronics innovator, developed the Sparko Box machine in 1967, initially as a response to a mocking colleague in a factory. Despite facing initial skepticism and criticism from live musicians wary of automated competition, Negishi’s invention went on to become a commercially successful venture.

Critics of karaoke have often deemed it boring, silly, and kitschy over the years, dismissing its artistic value. However, a shift in perception occurred when I personally experienced a karaoke bar in east London, where the magic of public performances unfolded before my eyes. Karaoke transformed from a nostalgic ritual to a high-stakes theatrical spectacle where honor and absurdity intersect.




Not so quiet…Björk.
Photo: REX/Fotex

Karaoke challenges individuals not only to showcase their vocal abilities but also to shed their inhibitions and embrace a sense of playfulness and humor. In a room filled with potential critics, the act of performing transforms into a liberating experience of self-expression and creativity.

Related: Stand up and be a fool: why film-makers love a karaoke scene

Karaoke provides a platform for ordinary individuals to embody a sense of star power, offering a unique form of interaction distinct from traditional concerts. Whether one performs with passion or humor, karaoke encourages participants to let go of inhibitions and embrace the joy of performance.

Shigekazu Negishi’s lifelong dedication to karaoke and his inventions symbolize the enduring power of passion over talent. As his legacy continues to influence music culture, he remains a beacon for aspiring singers worldwide.

Source: www.theguardian.com