Latest news with #NationalCouncilforScientificandTechnologicalDevelopment
New Indian Express
08-06-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Milk of mom's hard work: Girl hits new heights
CHENNAI: In a modest home in Attur, Salem, nestled under a rusted corrugated sheet roof, Santhi's day begins before the daybreak, at 4 am. The 55-year-old walks to the shed, pats her two milch cows gently, and the day has been just the same for the past 33 years. 'My only dream was to see my daughter study and make it big in life.' That dream has now taken her daughter, R Rajapriya, across the world to Brazil and soon to Finland. At 35, Rajapriya is now a post-doctoral researcher in cement chemistry, supported by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) in Brazil. Another leap came when she was recently awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Fellowship 2024 with a perfect evaluation score of 100%. The fellowship, valued at Rs 2.8 crore, will see her researching sustainable construction technologies at the University of Oulu in Finland, with a six-month stint at C2CA Technology in Netherlands. Rajapriya was just a toddler when her father, a farmer, died of jaundice. Left with no income and a child to raise, Santhi started selling milk to local cooperative societies. She recalled, 'We had four cows then, now only two remain.' With meagre earnings from selling, private schooling was out of reach. Hence, Santhi enrolled Rajapriya at Attur Government Girls' Higher Secondary School. Her brilliance soon spoke for her. By Class 8, a private school offered her free admission, impressed by her exam scores. After scoring 1,096 out of 1,200 in Class 12, she chose civil engineering on the advice of a relative's friend during the Anna University counselling session. Rajapriya said, 'Back then, we had no idea about higher studies. Based on his suggestion, I chose engineering at a college in Chennai.' To cover her college and hostel expenses, the family had to take out an educational loan. After completing her BE, she took up teaching briefly before pursuing her ME in Construction Engineering and Management. Upon completing ME, she resumed teaching, this time at a private engineering college in Chennai, where she worked for two years.
04-06-2025
- Science
Niède Guidon, the archaeologist who discovered hundreds of cave paintings in Brazil, dies at 92
RIO DE JANEIRO -- Niède Guidon, the Brazilian archaeologist known for discovering hundreds of prehistoric cave paintings in northeastern Brazil and for her research challenging theories of ancient human presence in the Americas, died Wednesday at 92, the Serra da Capivara National Park announced. Guidon first documented the red ocher cave paintings in the semi-arid state of Piaui in the 1970s. These ancient artworks, made with natural pigments such as iron oxides and charcoal, depict deer and capybaras, but also scenes of everyday life including hunting, childbirth, dancing and kissing. Guidon fought for the preservation of the area, leading to the establishment of the Serra da Capivara National Park in 1979. In 1991, UNESCO recognized the nearly 130,000-hectare park, with its sprawling valleys, mountains, and plains, as a world cultural heritage site. Guidon's discoveries shook traditional theories on when and how humans arrived on the American continent, according to a 2024 statement by Brazil's National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. It was previously believed that humans had reached the Americas approximately 13,000 years ago via the Bering Strait between Siberia and Alaska. Based on the exploration of archaeological sites in Piaui — which uncovered 15,000-year-old human bones, cave paintings estimated to be around 35,000 years old and evidence of fires dating back 48,000 years — Guidon argued that humans had arrived on the American continent from Africa via the sea, and much earlier than previously believed, the statement said. The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation and the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage commended Guidon's contributions in a joint statement Wednesday. 'If Serra da Capivara is today recognized as one of the most important concentrations of archaeological sites in the world, with a profound impact on the debate and understanding of the history of human occupation of the Americas, it is above all thanks to Niède Guidon's vision and tireless defense of science and culture,' they said. 'Professor Niède is one of those unforgettable figures who have inscribed their name in our history,' Mauro Pires, president of the Chico Mendes Institute, was quoted as saying, describing her contribution to global archaeology as immeasurable. 'Brazilian science is saddened by the passing of Niède Guidon, who helped us understand the origins of man in the American continent,' Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said in a statement. Guidon was born in the interior of Sao Paulo state in 1933. She graduated in Natural History from the University of Sao Paulo in 1959, before moving to France to pursue her studies. She completed her doctorate at Paris' Sorbonne University in 1975, after presenting a thesis on the cave paintings in Piaui state. Guidon went on to found the Foundation Museum of the American Man, a non-profit dedicated to the cultural and natural heritage of Serra da Capivara National Park, which she led between 1986 and 2019. 'For decades, she and her team fought to secure funding and infrastructure for the park, firmly standing against government neglect,' the nonprofit said on Wednesday, adding that her work was marked by 'passion, persistence, and a generous vision of science as a tool for social transformation.' In 2024, Brazil's National Council of Scientific and Technological Development asked Guidon about the obstacles she faced as a woman and a scientist. 'I never worried about people's opinions about me," she said. 'I worked hard, created a very qualified team, and history was made.'
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Niède Guidon, the archaeologist who discovered hundreds of cave paintings in Brazil, dies at 92
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Niède Guidon, the Brazilian archaeologist known for discovering hundreds of prehistoric cave paintings in northeastern Brazil and for her research challenging theories of ancient human presence in the Americas, died Wednesday at 92, the Serra da Capivara National Park announced. Guidon first documented the red ocher cave paintings in the semi-arid state of Piaui in the 1970s. These ancient artworks, made with natural pigments such as iron oxides and charcoal, depict deer and capybaras, but also scenes of everyday life including hunting, childbirth, dancing and kissing. Guidon fought for the preservation of the area, leading to the establishment of the Serra da Capivara National Park in 1979. In 1991, UNESCO recognized the nearly 130,000-hectare park, with its sprawling valleys, mountains, and plains, as a world cultural heritage site. Guidon's discoveries shook traditional theories on when and how humans arrived on the American continent, according to a 2024 statement by Brazil's National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. It was previously believed that humans had reached the Americas approximately 13,000 years ago via the Bering Strait between Siberia and Alaska. Based on the exploration of archaeological sites in Piaui — which uncovered 15,000-year-old human bones, cave paintings estimated to be around 35,000 years old and evidence of fires dating back 48,000 years — Guidon argued that humans had arrived on the American continent from Africa via the sea, and much earlier than previously believed, the statement said. The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation and the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage commended Guidon's contributions in a joint statement Wednesday. 'If Serra da Capivara is today recognized as one of the most important concentrations of archaeological sites in the world, with a profound impact on the debate and understanding of the history of human occupation of the Americas, it is above all thanks to Niède Guidon's vision and tireless defense of science and culture,' they said. 'Professor Niède is one of those unforgettable figures who have inscribed their name in our history,' Mauro Pires, president of the Chico Mendes Institute, was quoted as saying, describing her contribution to global archaeology as immeasurable. 'Brazilian science is saddened by the passing of Niède Guidon, who helped us understand the origins of man in the American continent,' Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said in a statement. Guidon was born in the interior of Sao Paulo state in 1933. She graduated in Natural History from the University of Sao Paulo in 1959, before moving to France to pursue her studies. She completed her doctorate at Paris' Sorbonne University in 1975, after presenting a thesis on the cave paintings in Piaui state. Guidon went on to found the Foundation Museum of the American Man, a non-profit dedicated to the cultural and natural heritage of Serra da Capivara National Park, which she led between 1986 and 2019. 'For decades, she and her team fought to secure funding and infrastructure for the park, firmly standing against government neglect,' the nonprofit said on Wednesday, adding that her work was marked by 'passion, persistence, and a generous vision of science as a tool for social transformation.' In 2024, Brazil's National Council of Scientific and Technological Development asked Guidon about the obstacles she faced as a woman and a scientist. 'I never worried about people's opinions about me," she said. 'I worked hard, created a very qualified team, and history was made.' ____ Follow AP's coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at
Hamilton Spectator
04-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Niède Guidon, the archaeologist who discovered hundreds of cave paintings in Brazil, dies at 92
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Niède Guidon, the Brazilian archaeologist known for discovering hundreds of prehistoric cave paintings in northeastern Brazil and for her research challenging theories of ancient human presence in the Americas, died Wednesday at 92, the Serra da Capivara National Park announced. Guidon first documented the red ocher cave paintings in the semi-arid state of Piaui in the 1970s. These ancient artworks, made with natural pigments such as iron oxides and charcoal, depict deer and capybaras , but also scenes of everyday life including hunting, childbirth, dancing and kissing. Guidon fought for the preservation of the area, leading to the establishment of the Serra da Capivara National Park in 1979. In 1991, UNESCO recognized the nearly 130,000-hectare park, with its sprawling valleys, mountains, and plains, as a world cultural heritage site. Guidon's discoveries shook traditional theories on when and how humans arrived on the American continent, according to a 2024 statement by Brazil's National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. It was previously believed that humans had reached the Americas approximately 13,000 years ago via the Bering Strait between Siberia and Alaska. Based on the exploration of archaeological sites in Piaui — which uncovered 15,000-year-old human bones, cave paintings estimated to be around 35,000 years old and evidence of fires dating back 48,000 years — Guidon argued that humans had arrived on the American continent from Africa via the sea, and much earlier than previously believed, the statement said. The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation and the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage commended Guidon's contributions in a joint statement Wednesday. 'If Serra da Capivara is today recognized as one of the most important concentrations of archaeological sites in the world, with a profound impact on the debate and understanding of the history of human occupation of the Americas, it is above all thanks to Niède Guidon's vision and tireless defense of science and culture,' they said. 'Professor Niède is one of those unforgettable figures who have inscribed their name in our history,' Mauro Pires, president of the Chico Mendes Institute, was quoted as saying, describing her contribution to global archaeology as immeasurable. 'Brazilian science is saddened by the passing of Niède Guidon, who helped us understand the origins of man in the American continent,' Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said in a statement. Guidon was born in the interior of Sao Paulo state in 1933. She graduated in Natural History from the University of Sao Paulo in 1959, before moving to France to pursue her studies. She completed her doctorate at Paris' Sorbonne University in 1975, after presenting a thesis on the cave paintings in Piaui state. Guidon went on to found the Foundation Museum of the American Man, a non-profit dedicated to the cultural and natural heritage of Serra da Capivara National Park, which she led between 1986 and 2019. 'For decades, she and her team fought to secure funding and infrastructure for the park, firmly standing against government neglect,' the nonprofit said on Wednesday, adding that her work was marked by 'passion, persistence, and a generous vision of science as a tool for social transformation.' In 2024, Brazil's National Council of Scientific and Technological Development asked Guidon about the obstacles she faced as a woman and a scientist. 'I never worried about people's opinions about me,' she said. 'I worked hard, created a very qualified team, and history was made.' ____ Follow AP's coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
04-06-2025
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
Niède Guidon, the archaeologist who discovered hundreds of cave paintings in Brazil, dies at 92
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Niède Guidon, the Brazilian archaeologist known for discovering hundreds of prehistoric cave paintings in northeastern Brazil and for her research challenging theories of ancient human presence in the Americas, died Wednesday at 92, the Serra da Capivara National Park announced. Guidon first documented the red ocher cave paintings in the semi-arid state of Piaui in the 1970s. These ancient artworks, made with natural pigments such as iron oxides and charcoal, depict deer and capybaras, but also scenes of everyday life including hunting, childbirth, dancing and kissing. Guidon fought for the preservation of the area, leading to the establishment of the Serra da Capivara National Park in 1979. In 1991, UNESCO recognized the nearly 130,000-hectare park, with its sprawling valleys, mountains, and plains, as a world cultural heritage site. Guidon's discoveries shook traditional theories on when and how humans arrived on the American continent, according to a 2024 statement by Brazil's National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. It was previously believed that humans had reached the Americas approximately 13,000 years ago via the Bering Strait between Siberia and Alaska. Based on the exploration of archaeological sites in Piaui — which uncovered 15,000-year-old human bones, cave paintings estimated to be around 35,000 years old and evidence of fires dating back 48,000 years — Guidon argued that humans had arrived on the American continent from Africa via the sea, and much earlier than previously believed, the statement said. The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation and the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage commended Guidon's contributions in a joint statement Wednesday. 'If Serra da Capivara is today recognized as one of the most important concentrations of archaeological sites in the world, with a profound impact on the debate and understanding of the history of human occupation of the Americas, it is above all thanks to Niède Guidon's vision and tireless defense of science and culture,' they said. 'Professor Niède is one of those unforgettable figures who have inscribed their name in our history,' Mauro Pires, president of the Chico Mendes Institute, was quoted as saying, describing her contribution to global archaeology as immeasurable. 'Brazilian science is saddened by the passing of Niède Guidon, who helped us understand the origins of man in the American continent,' Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said in a statement. Guidon was born in the interior of Sao Paulo state in 1933. She graduated in Natural History from the University of Sao Paulo in 1959, before moving to France to pursue her studies. She completed her doctorate at Paris' Sorbonne University in 1975, after presenting a thesis on the cave paintings in Piaui state. Guidon went on to found the Foundation Museum of the American Man, a non-profit dedicated to the cultural and natural heritage of Serra da Capivara National Park, which she led between 1986 and 2019. 'For decades, she and her team fought to secure funding and infrastructure for the park, firmly standing against government neglect,' the nonprofit said on Wednesday, adding that her work was marked by 'passion, persistence, and a generous vision of science as a tool for social transformation.' In 2024, Brazil's National Council of Scientific and Technological Development asked Guidon about the obstacles she faced as a woman and a scientist. 'I never worried about people's opinions about me,' she said. 'I worked hard, created a very qualified team, and history was made.' ____ Follow AP's coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at
