Latest news with #AndrewJones


Fox News
26-05-2025
- Science
- Fox News
Researchers find 'compelling evidence' of possible Noah's Ark remains in one country
A group of international researchers say they're getting closer and closer to identifying the possible remains of Noah's Ark – and new test results are promising. The focus of the research, the Durupinar site in eastern Turkey, was first identified in the 1950s. For decades, it's been speculated that the boat-shaped site once harbored Noah's Ark, but no definitive proof has emerged. Now, an organization called Noah's Ark Scans believes that recent soil samples point toward the site once housing "ancient wood." (See the video at the top of this article.) Researchers collected soil samples from the site last September and analyzed them through this winter. The results "show significantly higher levels of organic matter and potassium compared to surrounding areas," according to a recent statement from the organization. "[The results] provide compelling evidence of a unique, potentially man-made structure beneath the surface, distinct from the surrounding mudflow," Noah's Ark Scans said. "These findings suggest the presence of decayed wood or other organic materials, consistent with a large, ancient structure preserved within the mudflow," the statement added. Lead archaeological researcher Andrew Jones told Fox News Digital that researchers are registering 2.72 times more carbon inside the "boat-shaped object" compared to its immediate outside location. "The soil composition is markedly different from the natural mudflow, indicating something extraordinary at this site." "The rotting ancient wood inside the boat-shaped area is likely creating a localized soil microenvironment by lowering pH … increasing organic matter [and] elevating potassium," he said. "Rotting wood directly contributes to soil organic matter," he added. "As wood decomposes, it breaks down into humus, a stable form of organic matter rich in carbon. This increases the organic matter content in the soil where the wood is located." In a statement, soil scientist William Crabtree said the results indicate "something extraordinary." "The soil composition is markedly different from the natural mudflow, indicating something extraordinary at this site," Crabtree stated. But not all proof of the hypothesis is scientific. The 515-foot-long formation "aligns exactly with the biblical dimensions of Noah's Ark," according to Noah's Ark Scans. "Unlike the surrounding volcanic mudflow, the site's unique soil and subsurface anomalies set it apart," the project noted. The research builds on previous 3-D ground penetrating radar scans from 2019 that "struck subsurface features," and found anomalies. "The scans show a 234-foot central corridor and angular structures – potentially rooms or corridors – extending up to 20 feet deep," the project noted in a statement. "These right-angled formations, uncommon in natural geological processes, suggest intentional design. " Jones said the "presence of hallways and room-like structures points to a man-made origin for the boat shape." "The re-analysis confirms what we suspected: These are not random shapes in the mudflow," Jones said. Though no excavations are planned this year, Jones told Fox News Digital the analysis of the site will continue, with additional geophysical surveys and possible core drilling slated for next year. "We are focused on more non-destructive techniques to understand what's below the ground and more soil analysis as well," Jones said. The expert added, "Our plan is to do a much larger soil test and take deeper samples from the ground." Fox News Digital's Kyle Schmidbauer contributed reporting.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Noah's Ark: Researchers claim they may have found it in Turkey
(NewsNation) — A team of researchers claims to have found what they believe is evidence of Noah's Ark at the Durupinar site in eastern Turkey, using advanced scanning technology to support their theory that the biblical account represents historical fact rather than parable. Andrew Jones, lead archaeological researcher for Noah's Ark Scans, told NewsNation his team has been investigating the ship-shaped rock formation since 2019. The site was discovered in 1959 by Turkish Army Capt. Ilhan Durupinar. 'We have a shape of a ship, and then you look at the size of it … exactly 300 royal Egyptian cubits,' Jones said Thursday on NewsNation's 'Vargas Reports.' 'That's what Moses wrote in the book of Genesis.' Though many scientists say the rock is most likely a natural geological formation, the team conducted nondestructive geophysical scans, including ground-penetrating radar and electrical resistivity tomography, which Jones said revealed structural patterns inconsistent with such formations. Neuralink patient explains first year of life with brain chip The scans detected what appear to be chambers and corridors extending up to 30 feet underground. They say the scans reveal buried timberlike patterns consistent with a man-made vessel. Soil testing revealed the formation contains nearly 'three times more organic matter' than surrounding areas, with elevated potassium levels that researchers suggest could indicate decomposed wood. The site is located in the mountains of Ararat, matching the biblical account in Genesis that describes the ark's resting place. Jones said the scans show three distinct layers of material, with what appears to be a central tunnel and side chambers with right angles, suggesting constructed walls and rooms. Jones acknowledged that others have previously claimed to discover Noah's Ark but said his team will continue research until another site provides comparable evidence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Scotsman
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Hebridean whisky and gin distillery to play starring role in BBC global film series
'We're doing things that nobody in the history of whisky making on Islay has done before - that's a privilege' – Adam Hannett, head distiller Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A remote Hebridean whisky and gin distillery's efforts to go green have been rewarded after it was selected as the only spirits producer to appear in a new global film series. Islay-based Bruichladdich Distillery is one of a select group of certified B Corporations to feature in the series presented by B Lab Global and produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions. The films explore how businesses around the world are redefining success to include positive environmental and social impact. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Bruichladdich, which is already known for its pioneering sustainability efforts and commitment to the local community, was selected as the only spirits producer to appear in the series. Founded in 1881 and revived in 2001, Bruichladdich Distillery achieved B Corp certification in 2020. The seven-minute film, which will be available to audiences outside the UK and debuts this month, provides a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into life at the distillery - from its Victorian-era stills to its partnerships with Islay farmers and foragers - and highlights how the venture is tackling global challenges from its small island base. Founded in 1881 and revived in 2001, Bruichladdich became the first Scotch whisky distiller to achieve B Corp certification in 2020, joining a global movement of businesses committed to high standards of transparency, accountability and sustainability. The distillery was re-certified in 2023 with an improved B Impact Score of 100.7, placing it among the highest-scoring spirits producers globally. Bruichladdich's head distiller, Adam Hannett, who was born and raised on Islay, and is the focus of the new film, said: 'Our location is both a privilege and a responsibility. We've always believed we could make exceptional whisky while protecting our environment, supporting our community, and being open about the challenges that come with that.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One of the central themes of the new film is the distillery's focus on regenerative agriculture. More than half of the barley used in its whisky production during 2024/25 was grown on the island - a figure the business is working to increase through long-term partnerships with local farmers. Adam Hannett is the head distiller at Bruichladdich, on the island of Islay. Among them is Andrew Jones, of Coull Farm, who also appears in the film. The long-standing farming partner grows rye for the distillery, which was first bottled as limited-edition The Regeneration Project, with the crop grown using chemical-free methods that are aimed at improving soil health and carbon retention. Jones said: 'Farming here isn't easy - the climate, the terrain, the remoteness - but working with Bruichladdich has opened up new possibilities. It's farming that gives back to the land, not just takes from it. 'Rye restores nutrients in the ground that the barley removes. Every crop of barley that goes in after has consistently been the best crop of barley on the farm. It's the essence of regenerative farming,' he added. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With a workforce of more than 100 people - many of them islanders - Bruichladdich has implemented a real living wage and living hours policy, alongside care-giver support and cost-of-living allowances for local employees. Exterior of Islay-based Bruichladdich Distillery. Picture: Anton Suckdorff Photography Chief executive Douglas Taylor said the film was an opportunity to show the world that small businesses can have a big impact and drive positive, substantial change. 'This film provides a platform to share our story on the global stage,' he said. 'We don't do things because they're the cheapest, easiest, or most efficient way to operate, but because they're the right way, and produce the best spirits. 'Since reopening our Hebridean site in 2001, we have set out to prove that a whisky business could be about more than what's in the bottle. Focusing on our raw ingredients, making informed environmental choices, and putting Islay at the heart of our decision making has been imperative over the years, and we remain passionate about connecting land, community and dram today.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Filming took place across the island, capturing its rugged coastline, croft land and the distillery itself. The film also features scenes from The Botanist Gin foraging programme, with island-based forager Kate Hannett, Bruichladdich head distiller's sister, hand-picking the 22 Islay native botanicals including meadowsweet and wild mint that go into the spirit while preserving local biodiversity. The film series is presented by B Lab Global and produced by BBC StoryWorks, the commercial content division of BBC Studios. It aims to highlight how B Corps around the world are challenging the traditional 'profit-only' model by integrating environmental and social purpose into their core operations. Earlier this year, Bruichladdich Distillery was named a finalist for B Corp of the Year at the 2025 British Business Awards. The business has pledged to eliminate fossil fuels from its distillation process by 2030 - 15 years ahead of Scotland's current net zero target. It already uses a renewable heating oil and recycles waste heat from production. The firm's Classic Laddie bottle has reduced its packaging carbon footprint by 65 per cent. Sustainable The distillery's inclusion in the B Lab series shines a spotlight on sustainable practice within the traditionally conservative whisky sector. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Head distiller Hannett added: 'We're doing things that nobody in the history of whisky making on Islay has done before - that's a privilege. Coming from the island and to be involved in its heritage, that's a really nice moment. 'This film is a moment for the whole island. It showcases Islay's farming, foraging and distilling traditions, that are all so deeply interconnected. Being able to tell that story on a global stage is incredibly powerful.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Archaeologists May Have Discovered Ancient Biblical Relic
A team of American archaeologists believe they have uncovered the remains of Noah's Ark, the Daily Mail reported. Researchers working at a site in Turkey known as the Durupınar Formation uncovered a 'tunnel' located under a boat-shaped formation, which matches the Biblical description of Noah's Ark. The site is only 18 miles from Mount Ararat, which has long been rumored to have been the final destination of the ship. 'We're not expecting something that's fully preserved,' lead researcher Andrew Jones said. 'What's left is the chemical imprint, pieces of wood, and in the ground, the shape of a hall.' Jones and his colleagues detected structures running as deep as 20 feet underground, something they believe would be unlikely were the mass anything but a ship. 'This is not what you'd expect to see if the site were simply a solid block of rock or the result of random mudflow debris,' Jones explained. 'But it is exactly what you'd expect to find if this were a man-made boat, consistent with the biblical specifications of Noah's Ark.' Soil samples culled from 22 separate locations inside the formation have so far shown them to be radically different from samples collected from outside the mass. 'Organic matter was found to be double inside the formation compared to the surrounding soil,' said soil scientist William Crabtree. 'If you know soil science, as I am a soil scientist, you will understand that potassium levels, organic matter, and pH can all be affected by the decomposition of organic materials. If this was a wooden vessel and the wood had rotted over time, we would expect to see increased potassium levels, changes in pH, and higher organic content—and that's exactly what we find.' The Durupınar area has drawn the interest of archaeologists since the late 1940s, when the outline of the boat-like structure was first exposed. Still, there has never been an officially sanctioned excavation. Naysayers have long contended that the Durupınar is simply a rock formation, but considering their new evidence, Jones and Crabtree believe the area is worthy of official exploration. 'We want to compare what's inside the formation to what's outside,' Jones said of future work he and his team hope to undertake. 'That could give us a much clearer picture of whether this is truly something man-made.'


Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Bible archaeologist delivers bombshell new analysis of Noah's Ark ‘site' as radar reveals ‘angular shapes and hallway'
The soil around the formation provided evidence of the legendary ark HOLY SAIL Bible archaeologist delivers bombshell new analysis of Noah's Ark 'site' as radar reveals 'angular shapes and hallway' A BREAKTHROUGH discovery which could prove the existence of Noah's Ark has been made at an "ark-shaped" formation in Turkey. Groundbreaking radar scans taken by American researchers at the Durupinar Formation unearthed game-changing evidence of "angular structures" and a deep void. 7 Boffins have made a breakthrough discovery at the Durupinar Formation in Turkey Credit: 7 The mysterious mound has attracted scientists to prove the existence of Noah's Ark Credit: Alamy 7 New ground-penetrating scans have revealed bombshell ship-shaped voids Credit: NoahsArkScans Noak's Ark Scans scientist Andrew Jones used ground-penetrating radar to detect what appears to be a 13-foot tunnel going through the centre of the formation - suggesting the ark did exist. The colossal ship saved humanity and two of every animal from extinction when a catastrophic flood hit more than 4,300 years ago, according to the Bible. The bombshell scans also showed three layers below the Earth - matching the biblical description of the huge vessel having three decks. This is explained in The Book of Genesis 6:16, which states: "Make a roof for the ark, and finish it to a cubit above, and set the door of the ark in its side. "Make it with lower, second, and third decks." The new data has also shown central and side corridors running through the boat's formation. Jones told Christian Broadcasting Network on Friday: "We're not expecting something that's fully preserved. "What's left is the chemical imprint, pieces of wood and in the ground, the shape of a hall." Just 18 miles south of Mount Ararat in Turkey, the Durupinar Formation has only been known to researchers for less than a century. Local media speculates that heavy rain and earthquakes in May 1948 washed away surrounding mud - which revealed the incredible yet mysterious formation. Danish archaeologists unearth 50 Viking skeletons The Bible itself even states that Noah's Ark came to rest on the "mountains of Ararat" after a 150-day flood. The disaster drowned the Earth and every living creature not sheltered inside the wooden vessel. What's more - the the stunning formation sits near a mountain with a peak that matches the ark's shape and dimensions. Biblical measurements size the boat at "300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide and 30 cubits high". This is roughly the same as the dimensions of the peak - 515ft long, 86ft wide and 52ft tall. Jones also said that the structures revealed angular structures as deep as 20 feet below the surface - which could represent rooms below a deck-like platform. The Bible seemingly correlates with this construction, saying: "Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch." 7 The scans revealed angular structures as deep as 20ft below the surface which could represent rooms below a deck-like platform Credit: NoahsArkScans 7 They also showed corridor-like structures or hallways, pictured here between the black lines Credit: NoahsArkScans Jones explained: "This is not what you'd expect to see if the site were simply a solid block of rock or the result of random mudflow debris. "But it is exactly what you'd expect to find if this were a man-made boat, consistent with the biblical specifications of Noah's Ark." His team of boffins also performed soil testing which uncovered "interesting things" according to Jones. "We noticed that the grass growing within the boat-shaped formation is a different colour compared to the area just outside it," the researcher said. He suggested that this could point to a man-made origin rather than a natural one. Why is locating Noah's Ark important? FOR those involved in the research, the importance of the discovery is not just limited to its religious implications. While Noah's Ark is a key element in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, the story also speaks to larger human questions about survival, faith, and the fragility of life in the face of natural disasters. The team's findings, particularly the materials embedded in the formation's soil, suggest that the area may have been submerged in a vast body of water at some point. Could this be evidence of the Great Flood? While the theory remains highly speculative, the notion that ancient humans witnessed and survived such a cataclysm has captivated scholars and theologians alike for centuries. For scientists and archaeologists alike, the potential to link these scientific findings with one of history's most famous legends is as daunting as it is crucial. The story is also a key part of the Abrahamic religious traditions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) and is often interpreted as a message of faith, obedience, and God's promise to never destroy the Earth with a flood again. According to the Book of Genesis, chapters 6 to 9, God decided to flood the Earth because of humanity's widespread wickedness. But he chose to spare Noah because of his righteousness and tasked him with building a large ark to save himself, his family, and a pair of every animal. Fellow scientist at Noah's Ark Scans William Crabtree said that a tunnel appeared to run from the tip of the formation and lead towards the middle. He added that it was large enough to walk through. Analysing the soil, he noted the elevated potassium, pH changes and doubled organic matter inside the formation. This suggested that "decaying organic material" - or wood - may have been responsible for these changes. The team plan to carry on their soil testing experiments beyond the 22 samples they have already collected. They also want to complete a core drilling survey and do additional ground-penetrating radar scans around the site. 7 According to the Bible, the colossal vessel saved humanity and every kind of animal from extinction during a catastrophic flood more than 4,300 years ago Credit: Noahs Ark Scans