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NDTV
2 hours ago
- Science
- NDTV
Scientists Recreate Face Of 10,500-Year-Old Woman Using DNA
Researchers at Ghent University have reconstructed the visage of a pale, dark-haired, blue-eyed prehistoric woman who lived 10,500 years ago in what is now Belgium. They produced an amazing image, depicting the face of a woman who lived and died in the Meuse River valley, using ancient DNA. In 1988, the remains of the Mesolithic woman were found in the Margaux cave, which is close to Dinant. She was a hunter-gatherer from Western Europe, the same group as the popular Cheddar Man from Great Britain. DNA studies showed the Margaux woman's eyes were blue, just like Cheddar Man's. She did, however, have a somewhat lighter complexion than the majority of other Mesolithic individuals in Western Europe examined so far. It is a minor but crucial detail, according to the project's lead geneticist, Dr. Maite Rivollat. The reconstruction of her face and living conditions was made possible by a mix of anatomical, genetic, and archaeological data. Ghent University archaeologist Isabelle De Groote told CNN that the 'Meuse Woman' was from the same ethnicity as the Cheddar Man, who lived in what is now the United Kingdom at the time, but had a lighter complexion. "We could also infer from the skull that she was between 35 and 60 years old," De Groote told CNN. The prehistoric Belgian woman also resembled Cheddar Man with a prominent nasal bridge. "She also has noticeable brow ridges, even though she's a woman," De Groote added. University archaeologist Philippe Crombe said that "quite good quality" DNA was extracted from the woman's skull so that "a very detailed reconstruction" could be made. While some of her features, like her jewellery and tattoos, are based on archaeological data gathered from previous digs in the River Meuse basin, helping researchers create a picture of the woman's daily life — her complexion, hair, and eyes are all based on ancient DNA. The creative team also used archaeological evidence, such as tools, shells, paints, and camp remnants. This made her world come to life, along with her face. Every detail was meticulously recreated, from hunting methods to transportation, from plants to animals. The remains of the 'Meuse Woman' were discovered in the Margaux cave in Dinant in 1988-1989, along with the remains of eight other women. This was "an unusual finding" because the majority of Mesolithic burial sites include a mix of men, women, and children. The reconstruction was carried out in cooperation with Dutch artists Kennis and Kennis and researchers from the ROAM project (a Regional Outlook on Ancient Migration), an interdisciplinary effort comprising archaeologists, bioanthropologists, geneticists, and artists.
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Iran-Israel War News Live Updates: On conflict day 8, Israel strikes HQ of Iran's key nuclear project site, says military; IEAE confirms damages to Khondab reactor
Iran-Israel War Live News Updates: The Israeli military on Friday said that they attacked multiple facilities in Iran in overnight strikes, including the headquarters of a key nuclear weapons development site. In a statement, the Israeli military said that their targets for overnight strikes included the headquarters of SPND for research and development of nuclear weapons project. The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed damages to building at the Khondab Heavy Water Production Plant including its distillation unit, a day after stating that no damages were 'initially visible' Casualty count: In fresh strikes, Iranian missiles targeted a hospital and residential structures in Tel Aviv, wounding over 200 people on Thursday night. According to AP, Israel's air campaign has targeted several nuclear and military sites, killing senior generals and nuclear scientists. A Washington-based Iranian human rights group reported that at least 639 people have been killed in Iran, including 263 civilians, and over 1,300 injured. In retaliation, Iran has launched around 400 missiles and hundreds of drones, killing at least 24 people in Israel and wounding hundreds. Trump's 2-week deadline: After his ominous statement regarding launching strikes against Iran, US President Donald Trump said that he will decide in two weeks whether the US military will directly get involved in the Israel-Iran conflict or not, given the 'substantial chance' for renewed negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program. Earlier, Trump left the G7 summit in Canada a day early as the conflict between the two Middle Eastern countries deepened, but said that his hasty exit from the summit had nothing to do with negotiating a ceasefire between the nations. Live Updates 13:36 (IST) 20 Jun 2025 Israel News LIVE Updates: What we know about Israel's secretive nuclear weapons program Though Israel has never officially confirmed possessing nuclear weapons, experts widely regard it as the Middle East's worst kept secret, reported CNN. 'Israel is unique among nuclear-armed states as it neither confirms nor denies its nuclear capability,' notes the International Institute for Strategic Studies. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Israel is one of nine nuclear-armed nations, alongside the US, Russia, China, the UK, France, India, Pakistan, and North Korea. Israel hasn't signed the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and opposes the creation of a WMD-free zone in the Middle East. However, it has ratified the 1963 Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which bans nuclear tests in the atmosphere and oceans. (With inputs from CNN) 13:18 (IST) 20 Jun 2025 Israel News LIVE Updates: Iran's Red Crescent says five hospitals damaged in Israeli strikes Five hospitals in Iran have been damaged amid Israeli airstrikes, according to Pirhossein Kolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society. In an interview with state-affiliated IRNA on Friday, Kolivand said the facilities were not directly targeted but suffered damage from nearby blasts — shattering glass and causing breathing issues for patients due to smoke. He added that the incidents would be reported to international prosecutors. Under international humanitarian law, attacks affecting medical facilities are considered violations. (With inputs from CNN) 12:51 (IST) 20 Jun 2025 Iran Israel News LIVE Updates: US, UK hold talks on Iran-Israel conflict US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UK Foreign Minister David Lammy met in Washington on Thursday to discuss diplomatic efforts to contain the growing crisis. The meeting comes ahead of planned talks between Iran and European powers aimed at reviving nuclear diplomacy and preventing wider escalation. Rubio and Lammy reaffirmed their shared position that Iran must "never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon,' according to a statement from the US State Department. The UK Foreign Office also confirmed that Lammy will meet on Friday in Geneva with the European Union's top diplomat and foreign ministers from France and Germany. The goal is to engage directly with Iran's foreign minister to de-escalate the situation. (With inputs from Reuters) 12:31 (IST) 20 Jun 2025 Iran Israel News LIVE Updates: IAEA says key buildings damaged at Iran's Khondab site The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has information that key buildings at Iran's Khondab heavy water research site were damaged in Israeli strikes, including the distillation unit, it said in an X post on Friday. The information was an update on an assessment from Thursday, in which the IAEA said the reactor has been hit but there were no radiological effects. (Reuters) 12:26 (IST) 20 Jun 2025 Iran Israel News LIVE Updates: Countries evacuating citizens from Iran and Israel Countries around the world are taking measures to evacuate their citizens from Israel and Iran as the two nations enter the seventh day of their air war and airspace in the region remains closed. A week of Israeli air and missile strikes against its major rival has wiped out the top echelon of Iran's military command, damaged its nuclear capabilities and killed hundreds of people, while Iranian retaliatory strikes have killed at least two dozen civilians in Israel. Here are some of the countries whose citizens have left. Australia Austria Bulgaria China Czech Republic France Germany Greece India Italy Japan New Zealand Poland Portugal Serbia Sierra Leone Slovakia South Korea Taiwan United States Vietnam (Reuters) 12:21 (IST) 20 Jun 2025 Iran Israel News LIVE Updates: Iranian not prepared for talks while Israeli attacks continue, says Foreign Ministry Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi tells State TV, "Iran not prepared for talks with anyone while Israeli attacks continues." (Reuters) 12:17 (IST) 20 Jun 2025 Iran Israel News LIVE Updates: Israeli defence minister warns Hezbollah against joining conflict with Iran Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Lebanon's Hezbollah to exercise caution on Friday, saying Israel's patience with "terrorists" who threaten it had worn thin. The head of Iran-backed Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, said on Thursday that the Lebanese group would act as it saw fit in the face of what he called "brutal Israeli-American aggression" against Iran. In other statements, the group has made no explicit pledge to join the fighting and a Hezbollah official told Reuters last week that the group did not intend to initiate attacks against Israel.
CNN
4 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
Federal agents seen outside Dodger stadium
CNN's Natasha Chen reports from outside Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles where federal agents were posted after being denied access to the stadium according the the Dodgers. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the agents who were at Dodger Stadium were not from ICE and their presence wasn't related to the immigration crackdown throughout Los Angeles.
NDTV
5 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
How A Leaked Phone Call Of A Country's PM Can Topple Her Government
A leaked phone call between Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and a former Cambodian leader has brought her coalition government under immense pressure, with at least one major partner already out. On Thursday, as public anger and calls for her resignation grew, Ms Shinawatra apologised. Flanked by military chiefs and senior figures from her Pheu Thai party at a press briefing, the 38-year-old leader said: 'I would like to apologise for the leaked audio of my conversation with a Cambodian leader which has caused public resentment.' In the discussion over the phone call, the Thai PM referred to Hun Sen, who has been out of office in Cambodia since 2023 but still wields some influence, as "Uncle", CNN reported. Hun Manet, the son of Mr Sen, is the leader of Cambodia now. The political scandal in the Southeast Asian Kingdom has come at a critical time. Ms Shinawatra has been in power for only ten months, and her government is making efforts to provide a fillip to a slow economy. The country is also in the middle of trade deal negotiations to avoid being on the harsh end of Donald Trump's tariff war. As far as relations with Cambodia are concerned, they are said to be at their lowest in years over a border dispute, which, many say, may escalate again. Speaking with the veteran Cambodian leader, Ms Shinawatra said the Thai army commander in the country's northeast was her opponent, a comment that hasn't gone down well with the people of the country. Following the leaked conversation, the conservative Bhumjaithai party quit the coalition government, saying the Prime Minister's call had dented the country's and its army's dignity. Despite the Thai PM's controversial statement, the country's military said that army chief General Pana Claewplodtook was committed to "democratic principles and national sovereignty protection', AFP reported. 'The Chief of Army emphasised that the paramount imperative is for 'Thai people to stand united' in collectively defending national sovereignty,' he said in a statement. With at least 69 MPs no longer supporting Ms Shinawatra, the daughter of billionaire and former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, is left with a slim majority in the 495-member parliament, according to Al Jazeera. This has also led to prospects of a snap election, only two years since the last one, and even fears of a coup.
News18
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- News18
In Bizarre Scene, Man Takes Mercedes Down Iconic Spanish Steps And Gets Stuck
Last Updated: The vehicle descended partway down the steps before coming to a complete stop. An 80-year-old man unintentionally drove his compact Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan down the famous Spanish Steps in Rome early Tuesday morning, June 12. This led to an unexpected rescue operation involving police, firefighters and a crane. The incident has sparked widespread attention both locally and online. According to a CNN report, the incident occurred around 4 AM, when the man, navigating through central Rome, mistakenly turned onto the historic staircase. The vehicle descended partway down the steps before coming to a complete stop, wedged and unable to move further. According to a statement released by city police, the man was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident. Officers patrolling the area stopped him and took him to a hospital as a precaution. Medical tests confirmed he had not consumed any substances, and he was found to be uninjured. The man told officers that he had been 'going to work" when the confusion happened. It is still unclear whether he was relying on a GPS for directions or driving based on memory. Video footage of the moment is now doing the rounds on the Internet. It shows the grey sedan descending the staircase before getting stuck between the steps. Later in the video, a crane can be seen lifting the car off the steps. An 80-year-old man got his Mercedes-Benz car stuck while driving down the Spanish Steps in Rome in the early hours of June driver tested negative for alcohol but was in a state of confusion. #Roman #ITALIANO #Driver #MercedesBenz — HKeye (@HKeye_) June 19, 2025 The area was quickly cordoned off, and public access to the Spanish Steps has been temporarily restricted. Authorities noted that in cases involving protected heritage sites, archaeologists are called in to assess potential damage. While a visual inspection revealed damage to the vehicle, officials have yet to confirm whether the staircase itself sustained any harm. The Spanish Steps, or Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, are among Rome's most iconic landmarks. Built in the 1720s, the grand staircase connects the Trinità dei Monti church at the top to the Piazza di Spagna below. Designed by architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi, the staircase features 135 travertine stone steps. This isn't the first time the historic site has faced such an unusual incident. In 2022, a 37-year-old man from Saudi Arabia drove a Maserati down the same staircase, causing physical damage to the monument. In that case, the driver fled the scene immediately but was later tracked down using surveillance footage and rental car records. He was eventually arrested at Milan's Malpensa airport and was charged with aggravated damage to cultural heritage and monuments.
