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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France 24
8 hours ago
- France 24
Gabon forest cave reveals clues about prehistoric central Africa
Two billion years ago, the eastern Gabonese region of Lastourville was covered by a vast ocean. But that has long given way to dense forest and dolomite cliffs dotted with caves, within which scientists have unearthed traces of human life dating back to 25,000 years BC. Off the beaten track even for archaeologists, the Youmbidi rock shelter, a cavern typical of those chosen by prehistoric humans to set up their homes, is the focus for French geoarchaeologist Richard Oslisly's team. Among their finds: a stone tool which could have been used for cutting or making fibres dating to before 10,000 BC. An arrowhead has also been unearthed, as has a collection of dolomite, quartz and jasper shards, cut up to 10,000 years ago by the cave's inhabitants. "The vast majority of research in Africa has taken place in open landscapes such as the Sahara, Sahel or Egypt," said Oslisly, who has spent 45 years working in central Africa. "They said to me 'there's nothing in the forest' (but) I took up the challenge of finding out what was happening there," he added. "We realise there is a very close relationship between man and nature in these forests, where people have lived for a very long time," Oslisly said. The Youmbidi cave -- where scientists have recorded 12,000 years of continuous human habitation -- is an enticing spot for the archeologists. "We don't know at all how these people lived, what their way of life was, what their names were, what their languages were," said Geoffroy de Saulieu from France's IRD Research Institute for Development. "Our research will help us to know a little more," he added. - Jigsaw puzzle - After a month of digging and careful sorting of every stone, charcoal remnant, bone and other treasure buried below the cave, the team has elements to help decipher the past. De Saulieu said it was like a jigsaw puzzle. "You have to... gather the smallest clues, place them end to end to gradually reconstruct a whole universe that has disappeared and which is, nevertheless, at the origin of the way of life in central Africa today," said the expert, currently attached to the National Agency of National Parks of Gabon. One of the oldest bits of pottery found in central Africa, which dated to more than 6,500 years ago, is among this year's finds. Human-looking teeth that could allow DNA to be extracted in what would prove a significant leap in research have also excited archaeologists. And, like all the artefacts, a bead likely made between 3,300 and 4,900 years ago from a snail shell also offers precious insight as a "very humble but beautiful witness" of the epoch in question. Dispelling stereotypical images of prehistoric Man, it suggests people had "real customs, a real civilisation and art of living," de Saulieu said. The pottery "shows that these societies weren't immobile, they had launched themselves into technical innovations", he added. The discoveries fan his fascination for the richness of "the social life which existed in the region's forests". Resilience Glimpses into an ancient lost world can also be useful for tackling present-day challenges, the experts said. During the Holocene period which dates back the past 12,000 years, "central Africa has experienced very significant changes in climate, hydrology and vegetation," said paleoclimatologist Yannick Garcin, also from the IRD and involved in the Youmbidi dig. The hope is that the cave will unlock an understanding of "the resilience of human populations in the past and how they were able to adapt to climate changes that could have been drastic", he said. Central Africa for that reason "deserves major development in terms of research", Oslisly argued. Understanding what happened in prehistoric times can help scientists today react to modern-day issues, he added. "Good studies on the relationship between Man and the environment in the past will allow us to react better to the environmental changes that are ahead of us," he said. © 2025 AFP
Sustainability Times
a day ago
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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
3 days ago
- France 24
Patrick Star and 'Drag Queen' crab: underwater robot live stream captivates Argentines
The Argentine-American scientific mission is for the first time exploring the Mar del Plata canyon, a submarine gorge which plunges nearly 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) deep, off the coast of the seaside resort of the same name. The awed conversations between scientists leading the expedition and the explanations they give to viewers allow the public a rare insight into the hidden wonders of marine biology. In one instance, the camera on the SuBastian underwater robot shows a weird-looking, little white animal. One of the scientists on the team can be heard asking her colleagues, "Do we want it?" "Yes, yes, we want it!" reply dozens of messages in the live stream chat before the image shows the suction device being activated to suck up the specimen for study. "Oh, I love these little creatures," says one user. "I'm obsessed!" comments another. "Don't take the little one away!" pleads a third. The live stream began a week ago and exceeded one million views per day since Thursday, when it also began to be broadcast on television. "There are cold-water corals with the same colors as those in the Caribbean. How can that be? At a depth of 3,000 meters!" Pablo Penchaszadeh, a marine biologist and painter who is on board the expedition as an artist, told AFP. Patrick Star The 20-day expedition "Underwater Oases of the Mar del Plata Canyon" involves 25 scientists -- most of them from the Argentine research agency CONICET. Part of the GEMPA deep sea study group, with support from the US Schmidt Ocean Institute, it will end on August 10. Aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute's "Falkor (too)" ship, scientists remotely operate the robot, which can descend to a depth of 4,500 meters (14,700 feet). They collect biological samples with its robotic arms and other instruments, and send back high-definition images. "The fact that anyone can connect from home and see what we are seeing live is a unique opportunity," explains expedition leader Daniel Lauretta in a statement. "Science is no longer something distant or inaccessible, but becomes part of everyday life." This week, social media users were delighted when an orange starfish with two symmetrical bumps resembling buttocks appeared on the live stream. It quickly prompted comparisons with Patrick Star, from the popular animated series SpongeBob SquarePants. Memes circulated joking that "Patrick is Argentine," marine biology became a trending topic on social media, and the broadcast reached the screens of hundreds of thousands of captivated viewers. "I came to see the big-bottomed star, is it here?" asked one user upon entering the YouTube chat. Spectators also gave other sea creatures nicknames: a king crab was dubbed "Drag Queen," and sea cucumber was fondly called "Sweet Potato." 'Beacon of light' This is the first time that human eyes -- albeit remotely -- have seen this underwater oasis in real time, where the cold, nutrient-rich Malvinas current and warm, salty Brazil current converge. The confluence is "one of the most energetic regions in our global Ocean," according to the website of the Schmidt Institute, with the temperature difference creating an area teeming with marine wildlife and flora. "We are already seeing incredible things: animals that have never been recorded in this area, underwater landscapes that look like something from another planet, and behaviors that surprise even the most experienced scientists," said Lauretta. But funding for such expeditions is under threat in Argentina. CONICET, the government's scientific research arm, has been severely underfunded by libertarian President Javier Milei, who has implemented draconian cuts to public spending with his infamous "chainsaw." Its budget fell by 21 percent last year, salaries have plummeted by 35 percent since the Milei took office in December 2023, and the cuts have led to an exodus of scientists. As a result, in between "oohs" and "aahs" of wonder, messages of support are flooding the live stream's chat: "Long live Conicet!". "Seeing people being passionate about their job is attractive," said Tomas Atilio Luppi, a biologist at the CONICET-affiliated marine and coastal research institute in Mar del Plata, who is not directly involved in the campaign. "This is happening at a very difficult time," he told AFP of the popular broadcast. "Science is in a very complicated position, both financially and in terms of support and human resources." "The fact that this craze is happening is like a beacon of light."
