A group of researchers have recently found evidence of an ancient and unique red dye in a cave. The dye was made from a special insect, and the textiles are some of the oldest red-dyed cloth researchers have found. However, the fabric is more important than just being interesting to scientists. Finding Textile Fragments Source: Pixabay / diego_torres In 2016, during an excavation conducted on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, uncolored linen and bright red dyed wool pieces were discovered in the Cave of Skulls. The Cave of Skulls is in Israel and…
Author: Nicole McFadden
A discovery made by NASA’s Perseverance rover may have just confirmed ancient life on Mars. Because of the rover’s Mars exploration, scientists have discovered an extremely exciting rock. This rock has evidence suggesting the presence of ancient tiny martians! A Necessary Clarification Source: NASA / JPL / MSSS The NASA scientists working on the Perseverance rover mission wish to clarify that they are not claiming to have definitely found life on Mars. However, the rover has just found a rock that is very likely to have fossilized remains of microbial martians within it. Kathryn Stack Morgan, the mission’s deputy project…
Although people have theorized for centuries about the end of the world, we’ve thankfully gotten through every potential termination so far. There is no sense in over-preparation and panic, but there are many ways that the Earth could cease to exist. Here are several potential ways that our doomsday could soon happen. Climate Change Source: Pexels / Jaymantri Climate change is at the forefront of current world disasters. The accumulation of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere could cause irreversible climate change, leading to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and ecological disruptions. We have already been seeing some of…
Sea otters, a marine mammal that is native to the coasts of the northern Pacific Ocean, are much more than just adorable… they are aiding the Earth! Scientists have recently discovered the link between sea otters, ocean ecosystems, and our planet. A Symbiotic Sea Relationship Source: Wikimedia Commons / Mike Baird After studying a century of ocean maps, scientists have made an exciting discovery: where sea otters live, kelp forests thrive! The research was published in the journal PLOS Climate. The scientists discovered that even with environmental threats, dense otter populations help kelp forests to grow. Why are Kelp Forests…
A new video from NASA shows the concerning patterns of carbon dioxide moving around Earth’s atmosphere. The model shows that CO2 is pouring out from major cities in the US and around the world. Then it blows around, swirling due to atmospheric currents. Will this model help scientists to combat the devastating effects of climate change? The Goddard Earth Observing System Model Source: NASA / NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio This visualization from NASA shows the CO2 patterns between January and March 2020. It was created using a model named the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS). By using data from ground…
Frequent flyers are all too familiar with the way traveling by plane can cause our bodies and immune system to fail. Between feeling bloated, stressed, sniffly, and fatigued during and after a flight, traveling can be exhausting. However, traveling does not need to be a burden. There are many ways to help us feel refreshed after a flight. Flight attendants use these tips to help stay happy and healthy while traveling. Prioritize Sleep and Relaxation Source: Pexels / Sourav Mishra Plane seats may be small and uncomfortable, the seat in front of you may be reclined far back, or a…
An author named Dan Buettner introduced the world to the idea of “Blue Zones.” He identified five Blue Zones, where people often live to 100 years old. That’s impressive! But why is the average lifespan in Blue Zones so much longer? What makes life in these regions so great? Well, it turns out that people in these Blue Zones have five traits in common. What are Blue Zones? Source: Jacob Lund (Canva Pro) According to Buettner, Blue Zones are areas of the world where people live some of the longest, healthiest, and happiest lives. These zones are Loma Linda, California;…
The devastating and destructive fires in California have recently been in the news constantly. Thousands upon thousands of acres have been burned. Both people and wildlife have lost their homes. It is imperative that California residents stay safe and vigilant in these terrifying times. Governor Gavin Newsom recently proclaimed a state of emergency in several California counties. Why is California Experiencing So Many Wildfires? Source: Getty Images via Canva / Toa55 Most California fires occur between the months of April and October. Over 725,800 acres have burned in California just this year. But why have the frequency and intensity of…
After thousands of years of being lost, one of the earliest translations of the Gospels has just been rediscovered. A scientist who specializes in medieval studies has used the latest technologies to reveal a mystical Old Syriac translation of a previously unread Bible chapter. Does this translation reveal new information about the ancient Bible texts? 1,500-Year-Old Lost Texts Source: Janice Miral’s Images via Canva / Janice Miral A scientist named Grigory Kessel has recently found a fragment of one of the earliest translations of the Gospels. Medievalist Grigory Kessel of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften) published…
A research team in Turkey has just discovered something that might change the story of Noah’s Ark as we know it. Turkish locals have long-believed that Noah landed near Turkey’s ancient Mount Ararat in a site called the Durupınar formation. During an excavation project, new evidence has been found to support this legend. The Story of Noah’s Ark Source: Wikimedia Commons / Vladimir Kosov The story of Noah’s ark is an enduring tale which appears in the Bible. Noah is told by God to build an enormous boat—an ark—and collect two of every animal species in order to survive the…