A new study seeks to trace the origins of many of the attendants who lived at the famous archaeological site Machu Picchu during its heyday. Using DNA, the results open a window into the remarkable construction, which was built without mortar or even wheels during the 15th century.Hundreds of workers built Machu Picchu by pushing heavy stones uphill or carving them directly out of the mountainside’s bedrock. For walls, they used a method called “idquo ashlar” in which stones were fitted to ...read more
In a world where the gigantic often steal the spotlight, you may want to also consider exploring the smallest animals in the world.Among the microcosm of compact critters are the world's tiniest vertebrates – animals that, despite their diminutive size, harbor all the complex components necessary for life with a backbone. While insects, arthropods, mollusks and other invertebrates also boast members of vanishingly small stature, the spectrum of vertebrate sizes is truly astounding – from a p ...read more
The word "shark" often brings up the image of a fearsome great white with rows of menacingly sharp teeth, perhaps accompanied by the iconic Jaws theme. But sharks are much more than their Hollywood portrayal. There are over 500 documented species of these marine predators, each showcasing unique traits, adaptations and behaviors. Let's dive into the incredible world of sharks and meet some standout species.1. Demon Catsharks: Enigmatic Additions The most recent addition to the shark family tr ...read more
At a news conference a few days ago, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced that July will go down as the warmest month on record. And it won't be remotely close. "We don't have to wait for the end of the month to know this," he said, speaking on July 27. "Short of a mini ice age over the next days, July 2023 will shatter records across the board." Continuing, he said, "Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning." At a news conference on July 2 ...read more
It’s a news headline that can send a chill up the backs of pet owners. A small family pet is outside when a bird of prey swoops down and attacks.In Colorado, an eagle preyed on a Pomeranian while it was in the family’s fenced-in yard. In Canada, home security cameras captured a Yorkie puppy escaping an eagle’s grip. And in a Philadelphia public park, a hawk came up behind a small dog with its talons extended.[embedded content]These stories can prompt a pet owner to fear for their anim ...read more
Author Vishay SinghPosted on Categories Discover Magazine