Gas workers uncover 1,000-year-old mummy in Peru
The mummy was covered in a shroud in a seated position, arms and legs bent.
Pottery was also found in the tomb which was dated to the pre-Inca Chancay civilization that lived around the Lima region between the 11th and 15th centuries.
It was believed to be part of a large, ancient cemetery.
Lima, a city with over 10 million inhabitants, also houses more than 500 archaeological sites.
Gas company Calidda has reported more than 2,200 chance archaeological discoveries since 2004.
© 2025 AFP
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Sustainability Times
21 hours ago
- Sustainability Times
Scientists Shocked to Discover Potato and Tomato Are "9-Million-Year-Old Lovers," Sparking Outrage Over What This Means for Our Food System
IN A NUTSHELL 🥔 The modern potato originated from a natural hybridization event between tomato plants and a species called Etuberosum around 9 million years ago. and a species called around 9 million years ago. 🧬 Researchers analyzed genetic data, revealing that all potato species have a balanced mix of genetic material from both Etuberosum and tomatoes. and tomatoes. ⛰️ The development of tubers coincided with the uplift of the Andes mountains , allowing potatoes to adapt to new ecological environments. , allowing potatoes to adapt to new ecological environments. 🌍 The study offers insights into modern agriculture, emphasizing the importance of genetic diversity and crop resilience in the face of climate change. The humble potato, a staple in diets worldwide, has long been shrouded in mystery concerning its origins. Despite its ubiquitous presence, the genetic journey of the potato has remained elusive. Recent research by an international team of scientists has finally unearthed its ancient roots, revealing a fascinating tale of natural hybridization. This discovery not only sheds light on the potato's past but also offers insights into the broader mechanisms of plant evolution and adaptation. The Ancient Hybridization Event The modern-day potato owes its existence to an ancient interbreeding event that occurred approximately 9 million years ago. This natural cross-breeding transpired between tomato plants and a potato-like species known as Etuberosum, native to South America. The result was a novel plant capable of producing tubers, a characteristic absent in its Etuberosum ancestors. This event marked the beginning of an evolutionary journey that would eventually lead to the diverse varieties of potatoes we enjoy today. Sanwen Huang from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences highlighted the significance of this discovery. 'We've finally solved the mystery of where potatoes came from,' he remarked, emphasizing the evolutionary implications of such hybridization events. The research involved analyzing an extensive collection of genetic data, including 450 genomes from cultivated potatoes and 56 from wild species. This comprehensive approach provided robust evidence of the potato's hybrid origins. Dairy Methane Miracle: These Digesters Deliver 80% Emissions Drop and Turn Manure Into Massive Renewable Energy Wins Deciphering the Genetic Puzzle The genetic analysis revealed that every potato species carries a balanced mix of genetic material from both Etuberosum and tomato plants. Wild potatoes are notoriously difficult to sample, making this dataset the most comprehensive collection of wild potato genomic data ever analyzed, 'Japan Traps the Impossible': Scientists Develop Breakthrough Method to Extract Ammonia From Air and Water With Unmatched Precision noted Zhiyang Zhang from the Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen. This breakthrough resolved the long-standing puzzle of how modern potatoes developed their tuber-forming capability. Despite being distinct species, Etuberosum and tomatoes shared a common ancestor approximately 14 million years ago. Their ability to interbreed, despite diverging for about 5 million years, underscores the dynamic nature of plant evolution. The study pinpointed specific genes responsible for tuber formation, with the SP6A gene originating from the tomato parent and the IT1 gene from Etuberosum. These genes were crucial in enabling the development of tubers, a key trait for survival and proliferation. 'They Cloned a Yak in the Himalayas!': Chinese Scientists Defy Nature with First-Ever Livestock Copy at 12,000 Feet The Role of the Andes Uplift The emergence of tubers in early potatoes coincided with significant geological events, notably the rapid uplift of the Andes mountains. This period of intense tectonic activity created a myriad of new ecological niches, from grasslands to alpine meadows. The tuber's development provided potatoes with a substantial evolutionary advantage, allowing them to thrive in these diverse and challenging environments. The ability to store nutrients underground enabled potatoes to endure harsh weather conditions and quickly adapt to shifting ecological landscapes. As a result, potatoes spread rapidly across Central and South America, diversifying into the myriad forms we see today. This adaptability was further enhanced by the tuber's capability to facilitate asexual reproduction, allowing potato plants to proliferate without relying on seeds or pollination. The Impact on Modern Agriculture The discovery of the potato's ancient origins and its evolutionary journey offers valuable insights into modern agricultural practices. Understanding the genetic mechanisms that facilitated the potato's adaptation to diverse environments can inform breeding programs aimed at enhancing crop resilience and yield. As climate change continues to pose challenges to global food security, such knowledge becomes increasingly vital. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of preserving genetic diversity within crop species. The rich variety of potatoes we enjoy today is a testament to the evolutionary processes that have shaped them over millions of years. Preserving this diversity is crucial for maintaining the adaptability and resilience of crops in the face of environmental changes. As the curtain lifts on the potato's enigmatic past, we are left pondering the broader implications of its evolutionary tale. How might the insights gained from this research influence our approaches to agriculture and biodiversity conservation in the future? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (21)
France 24
2 days ago
- France 24
Patrick Star and 'Drag Queen' crab: underwater robot live stream captivates Argentines
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Sustainability Times
2 days ago
- Sustainability Times
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This anomaly has drawn the attention of NASA and the global scientific community due to its potential impact on satellite operations and the insights it offers into Earth's magnetic dynamics. As the anomaly evolves, understanding its mechanisms is crucial to mitigating risks to technological infrastructure and advancing our knowledge of Earth's internal processes. Deep Origins and Complex Mechanisms The South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) stands as a significant geomagnetic phenomenon, captivating scientists with its complex origins and potential implications. Characterized by a substantial reduction in magnetic intensity, the SAA disrupts the otherwise protective magnetic shield of Earth, allowing high-energy solar particles to approach closer to the surface. This magnetic weakness is intricately linked to the geodynamo, a process within Earth's outer core where molten iron and nickel movements generate the planet's magnetic field. 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To mitigate these risks, satellite operators often implement preventive measures, such as shutting down non-essential systems when passing through the anomaly. The International Space Station (ISS), which orbits through the SAA, has reported occasional 'glitches' and resets, resulting in data loss. While the ISS's shielding protects astronauts, external instruments remain vulnerable. Other missions, like the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON), closely monitor the SAA to adjust their operations and minimize disruptions. As the anomaly continues to evolve, safeguarding space technology remains a pressing challenge for the scientific community. 'NASA Sounds the Alarm': Unprecedented Planetary Surge Linked to Unknown Deep-Earth Force Now Spreading at Global Scale Dynamic Evolution and Challenges The South Atlantic Anomaly is not a static phenomenon. Recent data from the ESA's Swarm constellation and NASA's SAMPEX mission reveal troubling trends. The anomaly is gradually drifting northwest, expanding in surface area, and, since 2020, beginning to split into two distinct lobes. This bifurcation increases the number of hazardous zones for spacecraft, complicating the task of scientists developing predictive models of geomagnetic conditions. Understanding the changing morphology of the SAA is crucial for ensuring the safety of current and future satellites. As the anomaly evolves, continuous monitoring and adaptation in satellite operations are necessary to mitigate potential disruptions. These developments underscore the importance of ongoing research and international collaboration to address the challenges posed by the SAA. 'These Creatures Could Rewrite the Rules of Life': Deep-Sea Microbes on Earth Mirror What May Be Thriving Beneath Europa's Ice Anticipating the Invisible To enhance understanding and predictions of the South Atlantic Anomaly, NASA combines satellite data with simulations of Earth's core dynamics. These inputs contribute to global models like the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF), which track the evolution of Earth's magnetic field. These models are essential for planning space missions and gaining insights into the planet's internal structure. While the current evolution of the SAA is unprecedented in the space era, geological records suggest that such anomalies are not exceptional over long timescales. Importantly, scientists assert that the current SAA is not an early indicator of a magnetic pole reversal, a natural phenomenon occurring over hundreds of thousands of years. Studying the SAA remains a vital research area, crucial for protecting orbiting technologies and deepening our understanding of Earth's magnetic dynamics. As the South Atlantic Anomaly continues to evolve, it poses intriguing questions about the future of Earth's magnetic dynamics and the potential impact on our technological and scientific pursuits. How will ongoing changes in the SAA shape our understanding of Earth's magnetic field and influence our ability to safeguard space technology in the coming years? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (25)
