Scientists describe the ancient Egyptian mother of “screaming” | CNN

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Ancient Egyptian pyramids, pharaohs and artifacts excite the imagination, reigniting the wonder of the past in every generation.

Today, archaeologists are making remarkable discoveries in the Nile Valley. An expedition to Damietta, Egypt, recently unearthed 63 tombs dating back more than 2,500 years, along with an array of coins, gold objects and pottery.

Scientists are also using the latest techniques to unravel the secrets hidden in objects discovered decades ago, with new research this week “digitally dissecting” a rare mummy found in 1935 .

With her mouth agape, the dead woman seems to be forever locked in an anguished cry – a feature noted by archaeologists who found her in a tomb near Luxor during a journey of about 100 years. Bang a century ago that was led by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in. New York City.

What could have caused this disturbing facial expression?

In order to solve the mystery, Sahar Saleem, professor of radiology at Kasr Al Ainy Hospital at Cairo University, used CT equipment to reveal details about the woman’s anatomy, health conditions and her preservation. Infrared imaging and other advanced techniques also helped shed more light on his life.

The woman was 48 years old when she died, and surprisingly, her organs were still in the body against the usual funeral rites, Saleem found. Although Saleem was unable to determine the exact cause of death, the information he gathered led to a shocking theory.

Scientists believe that the smallest planet in the solar system could hide diamonds 18 kilometers (11 miles) thick. It may have formed shortly after Mercury collided with the planet about 4.5 billion years ago, according to recent research.

To understand how diamonds might have been formed, researchers conducted experiments using a large machine called an “anvil press” and a synthetic mixture of elements that mimicked the original composition of Mercury.

The study team found that one of the compounds, graphite, a form of carbon, turned into diamond crystals under those conditions. In the absence of samples from the planet’s surface, it is impossible to know for sure whether the same process took place there.

However, a project led by the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency called BepiColombo, which is expected to begin orbiting Mercury next year, can tell scientists more.

Venus, sometimes called Earth’s evil twin because of its surface temperatures capable of melting lead and clouds of corrosive sulfuric acid, is perhaps the most hostile to life in the center of the planet. the orbit of the planets.

However, scientists have found two gases, phosphine and ammonia, which on Earth would be considered as biomarkers for all life.

Four years ago, when phosphine was accidentally discovered in the Venusian clouds, the discovery sparked controversy. Now, scientists say they have strong evidence that phosphine is present and has detected ammonia.

The results are only preliminary and require independent verification, but they make future missions to Venus such as the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer and DAVINCI especially important and exciting.

Homo sapiens, our species, shared the planet with Neanderthals, the ancient people who lived in Europe and much of Asia, for at least 250,000 years.

An eternal mystery is why the Neanderthals became extinct while modern humans continued to dominate and inhabit all parts of the Earth.

New analysis of ancient DNA suggests that there was a lot of interbreeding between the two groups, and these population changes may mean that the population of The Neanderthal became smaller and smaller over time as their genes were introduced into modern humans.

Some of the genes we inherited from our Neanderthal ancestors still influence life today.

“Every rose has its thorn,” sang glam metal band Poison in their famous 1980s power ballad. But a new discovery by geneticists may open the door to roses without roses.

From sticks to repel predators, spiky features are a defense mechanism, shared by many plants such as tomatoes, eggplants, barley and rice shoots, which have evolved over 400 million years. .

A new study has found an ancient family of genes responsible for the trait, called Lonely Guy, or LOG, that could be targeted by genetic modification techniques. Removing the prickles can make it easier to pick and harvest and bring less-known produce to grocery stores..

Immerse yourself in these fascinating discoveries.

— An insect-like aquatic creature that lived half a billion years ago was about the size of a taco and had a key feature that many animals share today and one that still baffles researchers.

— Scientists have seen unexpected X- and C-shaped objects in the sky, and are still struggling to explain them.

– In order to keep swimmers and beachgoers safe, scientists are using artificial intelligence to detect juvenile sharks, which like to stay near the shore.

– Forestry center in Thailand offers new hope for endangered tigers in Southeast Asia.

Like what you read? Oh, but there is more. Register here to receive in your inbox the next issue of Wonder Theory, brought to you by the writers of CNN Space and Science. Ashley Strickland and Katie Hunt. They find wonder in the planets beyond our solar system and their discoveries in the ancient world.