Latest news with #McGrath
Observer
2 days ago
- Science
- Observer
Tools made of whale bones reveal inventiveness of prehistoric people
Artifacts found at archeological sites in France and Spain along the Bay of Biscay shoreline show that humans have been crafting tools from whale bones since more than 20,000 years ago, illustrating anew the resourcefulness of prehistoric people. The tools, primarily hunting implements such as projectile points, were fashioned from the bones of at least five species of large whales, the researchers said. Bones from sperm whales were the most abundant, followed by fin whales, gray whales, right or bowhead whales - two species indistinguishable with the analytical method used in the study - and blue whales. With seafaring capabilities by humans not developing until thousands of years later, the Ice Age hunter-gatherers who made these implements would have been unable to actually hunt whales for their resources in the Bay of Biscay, a gulf of the Atlantic Ocean. "These whales were likely opportunistically acquired from stranded animals or drifted carcasses, rather than actively hunted," said biomolecular archaeologist Krista McGrath of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, co-lead author of the study published in the journal Nature Communications, opens new tab. "The majority of the bones were identified from offshore, deep-water species - such as sperm whale and fin whale - which would have been very difficult to hunt for these prehistoric groups. And there is no evidence from this time period that they had the level of technology that active hunting would have required, like seafaring boats," McGrath said. The 71 whale bone artifacts analyzed by the researchers were found at 27 cave or rock shelter sites. The two oldest ones, both from the bones of fin whales, came from the Spanish Cantabrian sites of Rascaño, dating to about 20,500 years ago, and El Juyo, dating to about 19,800 years ago. The rough age range of the artifacts was from 14,000 years old to more than 20,000 years old, but most were 16,000 to 17,500 years old. The main raw material used to manufacture spear points at the time was antler from reindeer or red deer because it is less brittle and more pliable than land mammal bone. But whale bone offered some advantages, including its large dimensions, with some of the projectile points measuring more than 16 inches (40 cm) long, a size difficult to achieve using antler. "They can be very long and thick, and were probably hafted on spear-style projectiles rather than arrows. They are usually found as fragments, many of which bear fractures related to use, and they were most likely used to hunt the main game animals of the time - reindeer and red deer, horse, bison and ibex," said archaeologist and study co-senior author Jean-Marc Pétillon of the French National Centre for Scientific Research. Bone tools were used by members of the human evolutionary lineage dating back far before our species Homo sapiens emerged more than 300,000 years ago in Africa. The artifacts examined in this study pushed back the oldest-known use of whale bones for toolmaking by 1,000 to 2,000 years. The objects were previously discovered at the various sites and kept in museum collections. The researchers used modern analytical techniques to determine the species from which the bones came and the age of the artifacts. Humans living in this period of prehistory generally were inland hunters, obtaining most of their subsistence needs from the hunting of large hoofed mammals, Pétillon said. The new findings enhance the understanding of their exploitation of seashore resources, Pétillon added. Previous research had shown that Ice Age people gathered seashells, hunted seabirds and fished for marine fishes as a complement to meat from terrestrial animals. "The new findings tell us that these prehistoric groups were likely very well adapted to these coastal environments, and very likely had deep local ecological knowledge and understanding of their coastal habitats," McGrath said. "Whale bones would have been for more than just making tools. There is evidence for their use as fuel as well - the bones contain large amounts of oil - among other things. And the rest of the whale would also certainly have been used – teeth or baleen depending on the species, meat, skin. A single whale provides a lot of resources," McGrath said.—Reuters
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pacelli among those institutions keeping an eye on potential state level cuts
May 30—Around a week ago Pacelli Catholic Schools recognized another successful class during its 2025 Commencement, graduating all 11 of its students. It's a trend that has continued over the years as the school has boasted a 98.6% 10-year graduation rate and even though class sizes range on the low end of students per class, it's a mark Pacelli has nonetheless become proud of. However, recent maneuvering within the Minnesota State Legislature have raised anxieties regarding non-public schools funding Pacelli receives from the State of Minnesota. "This has been huge in the private school world," said Pacelli Advancement Director and social Studies teacher Nick McGrath. State law allows reimbursement to schools regardless of whether or not they go to a public or private school. That reimbursement funding goes towards things like busing, however, in his most recent budget proposal, Gov. Tim Walz pinned the cutting of $109 million in funding for non-public school aid as well as funding for busing non-public school students. It's something those in the private school sector, including Pacelli, have been watching closely as the school could miss out on close to $1,100 per student. "It's just a really touchy subject if we lost our funding," McGrath said. There are plenty of misconceptions that float around in the orbit of private schools including things like its education for the upper class or in Pacelli's case, you have to be Catholic to attend — neither of which are true in its case. "There's a common saying that if you've seen one private school, you've seen one private school," McGrath said, adding that Pacelli's enrollment mirrors its much bigger neighbor across the street, Austin High School, in terms of demographics. "You don't have to jump through hoops," he said. "Seventy-five percent of the student body receives aid of some kind. We mirror the demographics of the public system." A large chunk of Pacelli's overall each year comes from fundraising, including its biggest fundraiser, the Pacelli Auction, which this year aimed for raising between $225,000 and $250,000 and uses the money for things like scholarships. The school was actually saved through a fundraiser in 1992 when the financial strain of keeping the school open very nearly closed the school permanently. This year, the auction raised a total net profit of $217,531.67. While the legislature failed to get a budget passed during the regular session, it is now facing a special session to get it completed. However, the proposal has since been indefinitely postponed. Lobbying groups for private schools have opposed the bill, with the Minnesota Association of Independent schools citing that it's contradictory to state intentions. "This legislation directly contradicts long-standing Minnesota policy that ensures equitable access to educational benefits for all students, including those attending nonpublic schools," the MAIS said in a letter to the Minnesota Senate Education Finance Committee on March 30. However, educator unions have voiced support for the bill saying that money generated from the public should be used for public education. It's a source of frustration for private schools who say that education standards often cross over with those of public schools and in some cases, like Pacelli, the only difference tends to be that faith is a guiding principle. "We do not offer a cut-rate education," McGrath said. "You are not being served 80% coming Pacelli. What you are getting is a comprehensive education rooted in faith."
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
Commissioner McGrath raises 'SkinnyTok' concerns with TikTok CEO
Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, has held an online meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Chew. In a statement, Mr McGrath described it as a constructive meeting during which a number of items were discussed including data protection and data flows, consumer protection, the Commission's plans for a Digital Fairness Act, the protection of minors online, and plans for a European Democracy Shield. The Commissioner also raised the trend known as 'SkinnyTok', the social media hashtag which promotes often dangerous advice on weight-loss and dieting. "I raised with Mr Chew the dangers posed to minors in particular by the social media hashtag SkinnyTok," Mr McGrath said. "I reaffirmed that the protection of minors online is a top priority of the European Commission and there are clear obligations on all social media platforms to ensure children are safe online." The risks associated with TikTok's algorithms are already part of the investigation opened by the European Commission against TikTok in February 2024. This investigation is specifically addressing TikTok's mitigation measures in relation to harmful algorithmic recommendation, including in relation to eating disorders. "For his part, Mr Chew said TikTok is taking the matter very seriously and is engaging with Commission officials in the context of the application of the Digital Services Act to ensure the required mitigation is in place," Mr McGrath said. "This is a live investigation which will take its course in the normal way but I felt it was important to reiterate the Commission's strong stance on child protection," he added. In a statement to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, TikTok said it has "strict rules" against dangerous weight loss behaviours on its platform, and the app offers several wellbeing resources, ways to connect with experts. It added that for teenage viewers, some content with harmful body ideals is age restricted.
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hibs transfer news latest as Aberdeen make 'lucrative' contract claim over star
Here are some of the latest transfer headlines when it comes to Hibs Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, 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... Hibs are in off season mode but that doesn't mean there's little to talk about when it comes to the Easter Road club. Jamie McGrath is poised to arrive as a free agent after time at Aberdeen, and there could be more business done by David Gray and co. The club are in a fine place after a third place Premiership finish and will want to build on that position of strength next season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad They will return to pre season training in the summer in preparation for Europa League qualifiers ahead in July. Here are some of the latest headlines when it comes to the Easter Road side. Aberdeen make lucrative contract claim over Hibs signing After winning the Scottish Cup last weekend, Aberdeen have reaffirmed McGrath's upcoming move to Leith alongside other exits for goalkeeper Ross Doohan and left-back Jack MacKenzie. In announcing McGrath's exit though, Aberdeen have stated 'The Dons were keen to retain the midfielder, but a lucrative and lengthy offer in the capital has tempted him south.' Boss Jimmy Thelin said: 'We would like to thank each and every player leaving the club for their effort and contributions whilst with Aberdeen and wish them all every success in their future careers. Some of these boys have been here for a long, long time and departing a club is always emotional. But they can look back with pride and I am so pleased many of them are leaving with a winner's medal from last weekend.' Former striker could make Premiership return Ex Hibs forward Brian Graham could be making a shock return to the top flight. The veteran striker, according to the Scottish Sun, is a target for Falkirk after their promotion, with Graham rejecting the chance to become Partick Thistle boss. He was the caretaker towards the end of last season and said he'd find it difficult to return to the changing room if he weren't to get the job. Mark Wilson has since been announced as head coach and Graham has left his role as women's manager, with dubiety over his future. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Chairman Richard Beastall said: 'We fully appreciate that supporters will feel frustrated it has taken us longer than we anticipated to make this announcement particularly as there has been a great deal of speculation throughout the course of this week.' However, it is important that a thorough recruitment and interview process was carried out, and that public announcements are not made until contracts have been negotiated and paperwork signed.' 'As part of our process we considered candidates with various levels of experience in management. However, the role of Head Coach is different to that of Manager – a Head Coach will lead training, set the tactics, be responsible for squad development and play a part in the player recruitment decision making process. They won't be directly involved in contract negotiation which will be led our Sporting Director, Ian Baraclough.' St Johnstone sign ex Hibs forward Jamie Gullan has signed for St Johnstone on a two year contract. The striker has had multiple spells with Raith Rovers and featured 38 times for Hibs after coming through the academy, with three goals. He now links up with Simo Valakari's side in the Championship, saying: 'I am over the moon to be here. As soon as the club were in touch and I had chats with the gaffer, I just wanted to get things done as quickly as possible. 'I am so excited to get back for pre-season and to meet all the players now. It is an exciting time to be at the club and a fresh challenge for me. I have spoken to the gaffer two or three times now. Every time I speak to him, I get a good feeling. We have discussed how I will fit in. I am looking forward to working under him. Hopefully he can improve me as a player and hopefully I can help improve the squad too. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I am an attacking player who will leave everything out on the pitch. I will run myself into the ground every game. I want to give everything for this club. I know a lot about St Johnstone already as my brother-in-law is a massive supporter. For the past few years I have been given a weekly report on how the club is doing and he always tells me how amazing the fans are. I can't wait to meet and play in front of everyone at McDiarmid Park when the season gets underway.'
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Arts Council ‘greatly regrets' €6.7m failed IT project spend & Maureen Kennelly to step down as director after hearings
THE Arts Council says it 'greatly regrets' splurging €6.7 million on a IT project that was later abandoned. Representatives from the Arts Council today appeared before the Public Accounts Committee following a 2 Arts Council chair Maura McGrath told how members of the body were appearing before the PAC 'to be accountable for our actions' Credit: Stedman The Arts Council has come under fire after it emerged it splashed €6.7million on a new grants management system, which was subsequently abandoned following multiple delays and complications. The project was to see five separate IT portals dating from 2008 amalgamated into one centralised grants management system but it was botched and never delivered. An initial investigation by the Department of Arts, published last February, found the council had not been prepared for the scale of the project and it had not put in place resources to deliver it. Amid the fallout, the State agency was blasted by Arts Minister Patrick O'Donovan, who expressed his 'deep concern'. Read more in News Officials from the council appeared before the Public Accounts Committee today. Arts Council chair Maura McGrath today told how members of the body were appearing before the PAC 'to provide full transparent information, to be accountable for our actions'. But Ms McGrath also took a swipe at the She insisted the controversial project 'was not and is not an optional extra'. Most read in Irish News Ms McGrath said: 'It began out of necessity, and it is a necessity that remains to be addressed.' And the Arts Council chair questioned the role of Government in the debacle. 'CARRY THE LOAD' McGrath rapped: 'The expectation that small State bodies set up for specialist purposes should be expected to carry the load on complex IT projects should be questioned.' The 2023 accounts for the agency note an overall loss of value of €5.3million up to June 2024. Arts Council director Maureen Kennelly - who will step down next month - revealed that it is now pursuing legal cases against two of the IT contractors involved in the failed project. Ms Kennelly told how the council has commenced legal proceedings against two contractors, with the council in the pre-action stage in relation to two others. 'REDUCE THE LOSS' She said: 'We are vigorously pursuing our cases to reduce the loss to the Ms Kennelly told TDs at the PAC that the IT systems date from 2008. Highlighting contributing factors to the project failure, she blamed 'a lack of internal expertise, poor performance by our contractors and also the impact of She said: 'In summary, lack of internal expertise, poor performance by our contractors and also, the impact of Covid-19 all contributed to the project failure.' Ms Kennelly also stressed that they have senior ICT expertise in-house now. 'VERY DISAPPOINTED' And she pledged the council would implement all recommendations from the Examination Report published by the Department of Arts. Speaking about her upcoming departure, Ms Kennelly said she is 'very disappointed' she has not been granted another term as director. But she said Arts Minister O'Donovan 'did not consent to a second term'. Ms Kennelly said: 'I'm very disappointed that a second term wasn't sanctioned for me, because I had very great plans for the organisation. The board fully supported me. DEPARTMENT 'FAILED' 'There were a number of reforms that I brought in, and there were a number of other reforms that I really wanted to see through. So it's a source of great disappointment that I won't be able to see those through.' Feargal O Coigligh, Secretary General of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts, admitted that his department had 'failed' to properly exercise its oversight function. Addressing the PAC, he confessed they 'should have intervened more actively and much sooner' to reduce the exposure of the taxpayer to this failed project. Mr O Coigligh highlighted how the minister has established an Expert Advisory Committee, led by Professor Niamh Brennan, to review the Governance and Organisational Culture in the Arts Council. A parallel review of the department's internal governance operations is also under way. 2 Arts Minister Patrick O'Donovan expressed his 'deep concern' over the failed IT project Credit: Getty
