The crypt of St. Thomas am Blasenstein church in Upper Austria once held the remains of a mysterious mummy known as the “air-dried chaplain.” This unique discovery sheds light on the diverse history of mummies beyond Egyptian sarcophagi, revealing preserved stories from cultures worldwide. Recently, researchers uncovered the enigmatic figure’s true identity. The mummy, believed to be an 18th-century clergyman who served as the parish vicar, was remarkably well-preserved due to the presence of zinc chloride, wood chips, and embroidered fabric within its body. A new study unveiled the cause of death and the significance of a glass sphere found inside the remains.
In addition to this discovery, geoscientists located a magma cap beneath Yellowstone National Park, offering insights into volcanic systems. Astronomers also detected a nearby invisible molecular cloud named Eos, providing a glimpse into star and planet formation processes. Furthermore, analysis of a fossil suggests a common ancestor of the platypus and echidna, two unique egg-laying mammals. This research contributes to understanding the evolution of these fascinating creatures.
Fossil evidence suggests that monotremes may have evolved from aquatic to terrestrial environments over 100 million years ago, potentially explaining the unique backward feet seen in echidnas today. Immunologist Jacob Glanville, intrigued by California man Tim Friede’s self-immunization to snake venom, collaborated with a team of scientists to develop an antivenom based on a venom-blocking drug and Friede’s antibodies. While the research shows promise, Glanville warns against self-injecting snake venom due to its dangers.
On Maui’s Haleakalā volcano, the NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope captures a detailed image of the sun’s inner activity, shedding new light on solar weather during the peak of its 11-year cycle. In other recent explorations, Amazon launched internet satellites to rival SpaceX’s Starlink, archaeologists identified shipwrecks off Costa Rica’s coast, and researchers in Montana developed a self-repairing building material using mycelium. Don’t miss this weekend’s Eta Aquariid meteor shower, and sign up for more fascinating updates from Wonder Theory by CNN Space and Science writers.
