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Wonder Theory: Ancient Mysteries & Modern Discoveries
New discoveries about Pompeii, ancient writing, an emperor penguin, mummified remains, and Planet Nine.
English
United States
LifestyleArchaeologyWildlifeGeneticsAstronomyAncient History
CnnArchaeological Park Of PompeiiAustralian Broadcasting CorpField Museum Of Natural HistoryNasa
Giuseppe FiorelliLady Chenet-AaHarwaAaron Fowler
- What is the ongoing debate surrounding the existence of Planet Nine?
- Astronomers have been searching for Planet Nine, a hypothetical planet on the edge of our solar system, for over a decade. A new telescope could potentially confirm or refute its existence, settling the ongoing debate among scientists.
- Describe the unusual discovery of an emperor penguin in Western Australia.
- An emperor penguin was found thousands of miles from its home in Antarctica, on Ocean Beach in Western Australia. Experts believe it may have embarked on an adventurous food trek, and they are currently rehabilitating the malnourished bird.
- What surprising discoveries were made through genetic analysis of the Pompeii victims?
- Genetic analysis of plaster casts from Pompeii has revealed that some long-held assumptions about the relationships between victims were incorrect. For example, a pair thought to be a mother and child were found to be unrelated adults.
- How did researchers utilize technology to learn more about the mummified remains in the Field Museum?
- Using mobile CT scanners, researchers were able to non-destructively view the remains of Lady Chenet-aa and Harwa, revealing insights into their lifestyles, diets, and burial practices. The scans provided detailed information on how Lady Chenet-aa was embalmed and buried.
- What is the significance of the newly discovered similarities between proto-cuneiform symbols and cylinder seals?
- The proto-cuneiform symbols found on cylinder seals are similar to the earliest known writing system, cuneiform, suggesting a connection between the two. The images on the seals relate to trade and transport, and deciphering them could unlock the meaning of proto-cuneiform.