An analysis of over 3,000 bones discovered at a site in Somerset, England, known as Charterhouse Warren has revealed that unidentified attackers murdered men, women, and children before proceeding to butcher and cannibalize them between 2210 and 2010 BC. Researchers believe that the act of cannibalism may have been a way to dehumanize the victims by treating them as “others,” consuming their flesh, and mixing their bones with cattle bones to liken them to animals. Unraveling the motive behind these gruesome events during a time when written records were absent in the region is proving to be a challenging task. DNA analysis is currently underway to determine the degree of relatedness among the victims.
In the realm of archaeology, new findings shed light on the reconstruction of Stonehenge around 2500 BC, a few centuries before the tragic occurrences in Somerset. Meanwhile, in the realm of space exploration, the discovery of ‘Oumuamua in 2017 caught the attention of space scientists as the first object observed in our solar system to have originated from beyond it. While ‘Oumuamua was not an alien probe, it possessed unique characteristics blurring the line between an asteroid and a comet. Referred to as a dark comet, researchers have identified seven more of these mysterious objects, suggesting two distinct populations of dark comets might have played a role in delivering essential elements like water to Earth’s early history.
In a fascinating insight into the animal kingdom, researchers have delved into the peculiar white undersides of many barn owls. This distinctive feature is believed to serve as a form of camouflage, allowing these nocturnal predators to mimic the moon, approaching their rodent prey undetected. Furthermore, a group of prominent scientists has raised concerns about an emerging field of research centered on creating life-forms composed of mirror-image molecules, a process that could potentially pose risks to humans, animals, and plants by exposing them to dangerous pathogens. The intricate interactions of chirality in molecules underscore the delicate balance that underpins life as we know it, emphasizing the need for caution in the pursuit of scientific exploration.
Long before dinosaurs roamed the planet, an egg-laying creature with long, serrated canine teeth reigned as the dominant carnivore on land. These creatures, known as gorgonopsians, possessed saber-toothed predators and are primarily identified through bones less than 270 million years old. However, a recent fossil discovery is believed to be an astonishing 280 to 270 million years old, bridging a significant gap in the fossil record. Unearthed on the Spanish island of Mallorca, the fossilized remains of a hairless, dog-sized creature offer insights into the early ancestors of mammals. This newfound species belongs to one of the earliest branches of the therapsid family tree, encompassing not just gorgonopsians but also the predecessors of contemporary mammals and other now-extinct nonmammalian groups.
Expand your horizons with these captivating stories. California ground squirrels have astounded scientists by revealing a preference for fresh meat, showcasing their ability to hunt and consume other rodents. Cannons discarded by a failed 16th-century Spanish expedition are believed to be the oldest firearms discovered in the continental United States. A silver amulet excavated in Germany has the potential to reshape Christian history in Europe. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who journeyed aboard the Boeing Starliner capsule to the International Space Station in June, are now confronted with an unforeseen delay in their return journey home.
And just before you depart, learn how to catch a glimpse of the Ursid meteor shower.
If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read so far, know that there’s more to come. Sign up here to receive the forthcoming edition of Wonder Theory in your inbox, curated by CNN Space and Science writers Ashley Strickland, Katie Hunt, and Jackie Wattles. Delve into the wonders of planets beyond our solar system and revelations from ancient civilizations.
