ancient dna

Scientists have discovered ancient dna, some dating back two million years. This DNA, found in Siberian permafrost and Greenland ice, offers a glimpse into Earth's past. Researchers are reconstructing ancient ecosystems and understanding how creatures like mammoths evolved. These frozen archives are revealing history's secrets, showing that the planet remembers.

In 1996, two students discovered an ancient skeleton, dubbed "The Ancient One," near the Columbia River. DNA analysis revealed the 9,000-year-old remains are genetically linked to Native Americans, resolving a long-standing debate. This discovery revolutionized archaeology, emphasizing respect for indigenous sovereignty and memory, culminating in the skeleton's return to tribal descendants for a traditional burial.

A car park in Leicester unexpectedly yielded the remains of King Richard III, the last English king to die in battle. Scientific analysis, including osteological evidence, DNA comparison with descendants, and examination of battle injuries, confirmed the skeleton's identity. This discovery bridges the medieval and contemporary worlds, highlighting the rich history beneath urban landscapes.

Scientists discovered the devil worm, Halicephalobus mephisto, living 1.3 kilometers underground in a South African gold mine. This nematode, adapted to extreme heat, pressure, and low oxygen, challenges previous understandings of where complex life can exist. Its genome reveals evolved heat stress responses, suggesting it's a deep-Earth native, not just a survivor.

Ancient Bristlecone Pines in the Great Basin mountains exhibit remarkable longevity, surviving millennia in harsh conditions. These trees, immune to cellular ageing, possess dense, resinous wood and conserve energy through a unique strip-bark design and long-lasting needles. Their rings offer invaluable insights into Earth's climate history, teaching a profound lesson in the power of patience over speed.

Scientists discovered a 46-million-year-old mosquito fossil in Montana. This ancient insect was perfectly preserved in shale, not amber. Its abdomen held its last meal, confirmed by chemical tests. This fossil provides direct proof of blood-sucking by mosquitoes millions of years ago. The discovery offers a rare glimpse into prehistoric life and evolution.

India has finally mapped its own DNA and what it found could change medicine for a billion people.

A Handful Of Maverick Startups Across Gujarat Are Doing What Cleanup Campaigns And Policies Have Largely Overlooked — Making Waste Worth Paying For

Asha Bhosle, the iconic Indian singer, has left us at the age of 92, creating an irreplaceable gap in the global music landscape. Her last contribution, a heart-touching collaboration with the British band Gorillaz on 'The Mountain,' delved into profound themes of life, death, and the essence of human experience.

Bizarre beauty trends like salmon DNA injections and bird poop facials are gaining traction, with ancient origins and modern celebrity endorsements. While research on salmon sperm treatments suggests benefits for hydration and fine lines, purified versions of these unusual ingredients are key. Vampire facials, using platelet-rich plasma, also stimulate collagen for improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles.