science-and-history6.095 min read
GNR Wednesday 11-12-25: Positive News Update
2 months ago•Source: Daily Kos
Science And History News
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11.715 min•5 months ago
Haunting Body Horror Wikipedia Pages to Watch Out For
The article lists 21 Wikipedia pages related to body horror, covering topics like rare diseases, unethical experiments, and bizarre medical conditions, highlighting the dark and often disturbing aspects of medical history and science.
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Beethoven's DNA Unlocks New Mysteries After Two Centuries
The Daily Galaxy --Great Discoveries Channel•1 year ago
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"DNA Analysis Traces Blackfoot Confederacy Lineage to Last Ice Age"
A new DNA study reveals that the Blackfoot Confederacy, comprising four related tribes, has an ancient genetic lineage dating back 18,000 years to the last ice age. The research, led by members of the Blackfoot Confederacy, investigated the genetic history of their tribes and found that present-day members share a large fraction of their genome with historical ancestors. This study, conducted through the Blackfoot Early Origins Program, is important for its collaborative and Indigenous-led approach, providing valuable insights into the ancient Indigenous lineage of the Blackfoot Confederacy.
"Unraveling Leap Day 2024: Impact on Workplaces, Payroll, and Economy"
Leap year was introduced to keep the calendar in sync with annual events due to Earth's orbit not being precisely 365 days a year. Without a leap day, major events would fall out of sync, causing seasons to align differently and potentially leading to summer in November. The concept of leap year evolved from ancient civilizations to the Julian calendar and eventually the Gregorian calendar. Leap day also comes with folklore about women proposing to men, and being born on a leap day can present paperwork challenges but also unique celebrations for leaplings.
Pre-Columbian America: The Truth About Syphilis-Like Diseases
Ancient DNA analysis of prehistoric bones in Brazil has revealed the presence of the bacterium Treponema pallidum, indicating the existence of syphilis-like diseases in the Americas over 2,000 years ago, challenging the belief that Columbus brought syphilis to Europe. The findings suggest that treponematoses, including syphilis, were already widespread globally before Columbus's arrival, and recombination events have driven the development of different treponemal infections. This research sheds new light on the history and spread of infectious diseases and may lead to a better understanding of the origins of venereal syphilis.
"Unraveling the Significance of Leap Year: Traditions, Superstitions, and Origins"
Leap year, introduced by Julius Caesar, corrects for Earth's orbit not being precisely 365 days a year. Without it, major events would fall out of sync, causing seasons to shift and disrupting agricultural practices. The Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII, refined the leap year system. Leap day also comes with folklore about women proposing to men, perpetuating stereotypes. Being born on a leap day can be a paperwork hassle, but some leaplings embrace the uniqueness of their birthdays.
"Rethinking Dinosaurs: 200 Years of Science and Hilarity"
Hilarious images reveal how early palaeontologists' depictions of dinosaurs have evolved over time, from clumsy creatures resembling scaly rhinos to today's fearsome feathered beasts. The first dinosaur discoveries, including the megalosaurus and iguanodon, were initially thought to be giant lizards, leading to comical artistic interpretations. Modern understanding, aided by complete skeletons and fossilized feathers, has corrected many misconceptions, revealing that dinosaurs were more athletic, dynamic, and often feathered than previously thought. Ongoing debates among experts continue to shape our understanding of dinosaur appearance and behavior.
Unveiling History: Exploring Solar Storms, Ice Cores, and Nuns' Teeth
Scientists are using advanced techniques such as mass spectrometry, ancient DNA sequencing, and climate analysis to uncover new insights into historical events. By studying physical remains and material culture, historians are gaining a deeper understanding of ancient civilizations and major historical events, such as the Justinianic plague and the extreme weather events of 536 AD. These interdisciplinary approaches are reshaping the way history is written and challenging traditional narratives about the causes of societal collapse and transformation.
"The Spicy Secret Behind the Origin of Kissing Unveiled"
Danish historians have discovered evidence of the first mouth-to-mouth kiss on a clay tablet from ancient Mesopotamia, challenging previous beliefs that South Asia was the birthplace of kissing. The tablet reveals that lip-locking was practiced after lovemaking, rather than as foreplay, and suggests that the urge to kiss a lover is innate and has been observed in our primate relatives. This discovery sheds light on the cultural and historical significance of kissing in human history.
"Roman Empire's Pandemics Linked to Climate Change"
A study analyzing climatic conditions in southern Italy from 200 B.C.E. to 600 C.E. suggests that even mild climate changes can impact human health, with pandemic outbreaks in ancient Rome associated with cold snaps. The research reveals correlations between phases of climate change and episodes of acute health crises, emphasizing the potential impact of climate swings on human bodies, pathogens, and responses to pathogens. The study sheds light on the association between Rome's expansion and stable weather, the gradual decline of this pattern, and fluctuation in weather through the later Roman imperial period, culminating in the Late Antique Little Ice Age.
Roman Empire Plagues Linked to Cold, Dry Climate Snaps
Scientists have linked plagues that ravaged Roman Italy, including the Justinian Plague, to changing climate conditions. Research from the universities of Bremen and Oklahoma suggests that extreme temperature drops in the region were associated with major disease outbreaks during the Roman period. The study, published in Science Advances, used marine sediments to reconstruct climate changes from 200 BCE to 600 CE, revealing a correlation between colder weather and infectious disease outbreaks. While modern medicine has advanced, understanding the historical links between climate change and disease dynamics could provide insights into the challenges posed by today's changing climate.
"Revisiting the Origins of Syphilis: New Insights from Ancient Brazilian DNA"
A new study using DNA evidence has revealed that treponematosis, an age-old syphilis-like disease, existed in Brazil more than 2,000 years before Columbus arrived in the Americas. The disease was found in the remains of four individuals in Brazil, indicating that it was running rampant long before Columbus's arrival. This challenges the historical belief that Columbus brought syphilis-like diseases to the Americas. The findings suggest that treponemal diseases were already prevalent globally before Columbus sailed to the Americas, and the discovery may lead to a better understanding of the origins and history of syphilis and other treponemal diseases.