Boeing Starliner and World's Second Largest Diamond

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Questions and Answers

Which gymnast secured a bronze medal in the individual floor exercise competition?

  • Simone Biles
  • Jordan Chiles (correct)
  • Jade Carey
  • Sunisa Lee

Besides the team's gold, what other individual medal did Sunisa Lee win on August 2, 2024?

  • Gold in the all-around individual competition
  • Silver in the uneven bars
  • Silver in the individual floor exercise
  • Bronze in the all-around individual competition (correct)

How many total Olympic medals does Simone Biles have, as described in the content?

  • 9
  • 12
  • 10
  • 11 (correct)

The US gymnastics team finished how many points ahead of the silver medalist team?

<p>Six (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the specific date on which Sunisa Lee received her second individual bronze medal at the Olympics?

<p>August 4, 2024 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial planned duration of Wilmore and Williams' mission aboard the Starliner?

<p>Eight days. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did NASA decide to return the Starliner without astronauts?

<p>Due to concerns about the spacecraft's safety after helium leaks and thruster failures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is the SpaceX Dragon expected to arrive at the ISS to carry Wilmore and Williams?

<p>Sometime after September 24, 2024. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the intended purpose of the Starliner mission that launched on June 5, 2024?

<p>To test the spacecraft's safety and capabilities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Prior to the decision to return the Starliner uncrewed, what was originally planned for the Crew-9 mission?

<p>To launch in August with the original crew of four. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What will be Wilmore and Williams' new roles aboard the ISS after the change in mission plans?

<p>They will transition to full-time crew members, conducting spacewalks and experiments. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one issue experienced by the Starliner as it approached the International Space Station?

<p>Helium leaks and thruster failures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information provided, what is the primary reason for the delay of the SpaceX Crew-9 mission?

<p>The delay in the launch date of the mission from August 18, 2024 due to the lack of a docking space. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason, based on the text, given for the Florida carpenter ants performing amputations?

<p>To slow the spread of infection when a femur is injured. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of the diamonds found at the Karowe mine in Botswana?

<p>They are known for their large size. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the hemolymph in understanding Florida carpenter ant 'surgery'?

<p>It is the fluid that carries infection and impacts treatment decisions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a similarity mentioned in the text between the Cullinan diamond and the diamond recently found in Botswana?

<p>Both were eventually cut into smaller gems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the article, what is an accurate description of the activities of the astronauts?

<p>They are adapting to extended space mission with enthusiasm. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the two treatments given to the injured Florida carpenter ants?

<p>Amputation and licking (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate temperature and depth at which diamonds are typically formed deep underground?

<p>1093°F and 150 km (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might the Sewelô diamond have been previously known as the second largest diamond?

<p>New discoveries have resulted in shifting categorizations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the researchers determine how best to treat the injured ants?

<p>They compared survival rates in different treatment groups. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the article suggest about the potential value of the recently-discovered Botswana diamond?

<p>The diamond's exact worth will not be known for many months. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do Florida carpenter ants face a high risk of injury?

<p>They often sustain injuries while defending their homes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What makes the Florida carpenter ant's behavior significant from a scientific standpoint?

<p>They perform complex surgeries, never seen in other non-human species. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements is true regarding the Cullinan Diamond?

<p>Two of the largest gems are now British jewels. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the researchers determine the difference in treatment between femur and tibia injuries?

<p>By comparing the hemolymph flow in the two types of legs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion is made, regarding the age of most natural diamonds?

<p>They are thought to be over one billion years old. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the ant medical system, as described in the text?

<p>It involves various individuals within the colony diagnosing, and treating wounds over extended periods of time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for changing the beach material at Herculaneum?

<p>To allow for wheelchair accessibility. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'Ring Lady' discovered in Herculaneum?

<p>Her remains were adorned with valuable emerald and ruby rings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the study, how do elephants' 'names' differ from how dolphins and parrots use 'names'?

<p>Elephants do not imitate the receiver’s call, whereas dolphins and parrots do. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial assumption about the residents of Herculaneum due to the early excavations?

<p>They had managed to escape before the city was covered in ash. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests that the Roman soldier found in Herculaneum was on a rescue mission?

<p>His artifacts included a belt and weaponry. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did machine learning play in the elephant study?

<p>It was used to decipher elephant calls that are difficult for humans to understand. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the ongoing excavations at Pompeii, Herculaneum and the surrounding areas?

<p>To uncover new secrets about the ancient cities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How was the elephant call data collected for this study?

<p>From audio recordings of wild elephants within Kenya's National Parks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What architectural features can visitors see at the restored Herculaneum site?

<p>Well-preserved baths, an underground theater and luxurious homes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the boat houses in Herculaneum?

<p>They provided shelter where families hid during the volcanic eruption. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Prior to the 1980's and 1990's, what was the interpretation of the lack of human remains, in regard to the people of Herculaneum?

<p>That the ancient people of the city managed to leave, avoiding most deaths. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the elephant communication study is still being researched?

<p>Whether elephants name locations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the study, what percentage of elephant calls were correctly identified by the machine learning model?

<p>28% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did researchers initially believe Herculaneum’s residents had escaped before being covered with ash?

<p>Very few human remains were found during early excavations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why the preserved fruit discovery at Mount Vernon was considered significant?

<p>The way the fruit was packaged revealed information on culinary practices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the key factor that allowed the 18th-century fruits to remain preserved in Mount Vernon?

<p>The tart nature of the cherries likely acted as a preservative. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides the beach, what other recent archeological finds were mentioned regarding the cities surrounding Mount Vesuvius?

<p>A shrine with blue walls and paintings of an ancient war. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 18th-century cherry seeds regarding the Washingtons?

<p>The seeds have the potential to germinate and produce a living artifact. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the US men's gymnastics team's improved performance in the 2024 Olympics?

<p>The team focused on their upcoming performance rather than their previous one. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the US women's gymnastics team winning gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics?

<p>They successfully made up for not winning gold in the previous Olympics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the specific task of Stephen Nedoroscik that contributed to the US men's team bronze medal?

<p>To excel on the pommel horse. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many years had passed since the US men's gymnastics team won a medal before their bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics?

<p>16 years (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction between the findings of the two separate studies about the elephants and the fruit?

<p>The elephant research focused on communication while the fruit study focused on preservation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the Washingtons based on the preserved fruit found at their home?

<p>They probably utilized tart varieties of cherries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a specific goal for the analysis of the preserved fruit?

<p>Discover the preservation techniques used during their time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Brody Malone's reaction to his performance during the trials indicate about his approach to the finals?

<p>He quickly moved on from the past, focusing on the upcoming event. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Stephen Nedoroscik's performance in the individual competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics demonstrate about his reputation?

<p>It cemented his reputation as the 'pommel horse guy'. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the fact that the fruit bottles were likely forgotten after George Washington left Mount Vernon?

<p>It explains why the bottles remained undisturbed for so long. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the study on elephants and the study on the Mount Vernon fruit preservation indicate about the nature of scientific discovery?

<p>Unexpected findings often lead to important breakthroughs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Starliner

The Starliner spacecraft, developed by Boeing, is a reusable spacecraft designed to transport up to 7 astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS).

ISS

The International Space Station (ISS) is a large spacecraft in orbit around Earth, where astronauts from different countries live and work.

NASA

NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is the US government agency responsible for spaceflight and aeronautics.

SpaceX

SpaceX, a private space exploration company, developed the Dragon spacecraft for transporting astronauts to the ISS.

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Dragon

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, developed by SpaceX, is a reusable spacecraft designed to transport astronauts to and from the ISS.

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Starliner's safety concerns

The Starliner had issues during its mission to the ISS, such as helium leaks and thruster failures. These concerns raised safety issues, thus delaying the mission.

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Return of astronauts

The return of the astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams from the ISS was delayed due to safety concerns with the Starliner. They will now return on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

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Crew-9 mission

The Crew-9 mission, also a SpaceX mission, was delayed due to the Starliner's issues. It's now adjusted to carry only two astronauts to accommodate the delayed astronaut return.

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Simone Biles

Simone Biles is a highly decorated American gymnast, holding the record for most Olympic medals won by a U.S. Olympic gymnast.

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Sunisa Lee

Sunisa Lee is an American gymnast who won a bronze medal in the uneven bars competition at the 2024 Olympics and battled kidney disease to achieve her Olympic dream.

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Jordan Chiles

Jordan Chiles is an American gymnast who earned a bronze medal in the floor exercise at the 2024 Olympics.

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2024 Olympics Gymnastics

The 2024 Olympics allowed gymnasts like Biles, Lee, and Chiles to showcase their athleticism and strength. The team scored a decisive victory over Italy in the team competition.

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2024 Summer Olympics, Paris

The 2024 Olympics, held in Paris, saw an impressive display of gymnastic skills by the American team, highlighting individual and team victories.

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What is the world's second largest diamond?

The world's second largest diamond, weighing in at 2,492 carats, discovered in Botswana.

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What is the world's largest diamond?

The largest diamond ever found, weighing in at 3,106 carats. It was discovered in South Africa in 1905.

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What is the Karowe mine?

A diamond mine in Botswana known for producing exceptionally large diamonds, including the Sewelô diamond and the recently discovered 2,492-carat diamond.

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What is the Sewelô diamond?

A 1,758-carat diamond discovered at the Karowe mine, previously considered the world's second-largest diamond.

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How are large diamonds typically treated?

A diamond will be cut into smaller gemstones. For instance, the Cullinan diamond was cut into nine larger gems and almost 100 smaller ones.

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What is the Cullinan 1?

A 530.2-carat diamond cut from the Cullinan, part of the British Crown jewels and embedded in the Sovereign's Sceptre.

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What is the Cullinan 2?

A 317-carat diamond cut from the Cullinan, part of the British Crown Jewels.

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How are diamonds formed?

When carbon atoms are squeezed together under immense pressure deep underground.

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At what depth are diamonds formed?

The underground depth at which diamonds are formed, where temperatures exceed 2,000°F.

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What unique behavior do Florida carpenter ants exhibit towards their injured nestmates?

Florida carpenter ants perform life-saving surgeries on wounded nestmates.

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Why is surgery necessary for injured Florida carpenter ants?

Florida carpenter ants lack special glands that produce antimicrobial substances, making them reliant on surgical intervention for infected nestmates.

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Where are Florida carpenter ants found?

Florida carpenter ants are native to the Southern United States, living in rotting wood and often sustaining injuries during battles.

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How is the anatomy of an ant’s leg relevant to its surgical treatment?

An ant's femur, or upper leg, has more muscle tissue than its tibia, delaying the spread of infection.

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What are the different treatments for ant leg injuries?

The treatment for a tibia injury focuses on cleaning the wound, while femur injuries necessitate amputation due to slower blood flow.

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Ant wound treatment

The process by which ants treat wounds by cleaning, disinfecting, and applying various substances, potentially including anti-bacterial or antifungal materials.

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Herculaneum

A small seaside resort located on the west coast of central Italy, known for its well-preserved Roman ruins and beach.

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Mount Vesuvius eruption

The ancient volcanic eruption that buried Pompeii and nearby areas, including Herculaneum, in 79 AD.

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Herculaneum beach

The black sand beach in Herculaneum, now restored and accessible to visitors, offering a glimpse into the ancient Roman way of life.

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Beach replacement material

The dark-colored material used to replace the original black sand of the restored Herculaneum beach, ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users.

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Herculaneum skeletons

The discovery of over 300 skeletons in Herculaneum, providing valuable insights into the lives and deaths of its inhabitants during the volcanic eruption.

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Ring Lady

The nickname given to a woman's skeleton found in Herculaneum, adorned with emerald and ruby rings, highlighting the wealth and status of some individuals in the city.

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Roman soldier remains

A Roman soldier's skeleton found near the remains of a boat in Herculaneum, suggesting a rescue attempt during the eruption.

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Elephant names

A unique ability exhibited by elephants, where they call each other by individual

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Elephant rumbles

The elephant communication

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ElephantVoices

A research and conservation organization focusing on elephants, including deciphering their vocalizations and understanding their social interaction.

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Elephant vocalizations

The low-frequency sounds elephants use to communicate, often difficult for humans to decipher.

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Ethology

The study of animal behavior, especially their communication and social interactions.

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Machine learning

The use of computer algorithms and data analysis to learn from and interpret data, often for complex tasks like understanding elephant vocalizations.

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Calling by name

The ability of an organism to call out or address another individual by a specific name or identifier.

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Do elephants have names?

Elephants can recognize and respond to individual calls, suggesting they may have distinct names for each other.

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How did scientists test elephant calls?

Researchers played back elephant calls to wild elephants and observed their reactions. Elephants only responded to calls meant for them, confirming that they recognize individual sounds.

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When do elephants use individual calls?

Elephants are more likely to use individual calls when communicating over long distances or when calling to their young.

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Do elephants have names for other things?

Scientists are studying whether elephants have distinct calls or "names" for other things besides individual elephants, such as food, water, or locations.

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What was found at Mount Vernon?

Archaeologists discovered preserved fruit from the 18th century while excavating the cellar of George Washington's Mount Vernon home.

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What kind of fruit was found?

Bottles of preserved cherries and berries, likely gooseberries or currants, were found intact in Mount Vernon's cellar.

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When were the bottles with fruit made?

The bottles containing the fruit were made in England during the mid-1700s and were likely buried sometime before 1776.

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Why is the discovery significant?

The preserved fruit provides valuable insights into the daily life and culinary practices of the Washingtons and the people who served them.

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How might the preserved fruit relate to slavery?

The bottles and preserved fruit were likely connected to the enslaved community who worked at Mount Vernon. They may have picked, packaged, and stored the fruit initially.

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What will scientists do with the fruit?

Scientists are analyzing the preserved fruit to extract DNA, which could reveal the exact species of cherry the Washingtons enjoyed.

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What might have helped preserve the cherries?

The cherry variety may have been tart, which could have contributed to its preservation.

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How might the fruit tell us about climate?

DNA analysis may also provide valuable information about the climate of Virginia during George Washington's time.

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What is exciting about the Mount Vernon discovery?

The discovery of preserved fruit at Mount Vernon offers a unique opportunity to study American history through a combination of archeological and scientific analysis.

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How did the US Men's Gymnastics team do at Paris 2024?

The US men's gymnastics team won a bronze medal in the team all-around final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, after a 16-year drought.

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How did the US Women's Gymnastics team do at Paris 2024?

The US women's gymnastics team won gold in the team all-around final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, reclaiming their dominant position after a silver in Tokyo 2020

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How many medals did the US gymnastics team win in Paris 2024?

The US gymnastics teams won a total of 10 medals in the Paris 2024 Olympics, including 3 gold, 1 silver, and 6 bronze.

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Study Notes

Boeing Starliner Spacecraft Return

  • Starliner spacecraft will return to Earth uncrewed in early September due to safety concerns
  • Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will remain at the ISS until February 2025
  • Initial mission was an eight-day test flight launched on June 5, 2024
  • Experienced helium leaks and thruster failures during approach to ISS
  • Safely docked on June 6, 2024
  • NASA determined returning astronauts on Starliner was too risky
  • Wilmore and Williams will return on the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft
  • SpaceX Crew-9 mission delayed
  • Crew-9 now comprises two astronauts instead of four due to the Starliner's delayed return

World's Second Largest Diamond Unearthed

  • A 2,492-carat diamond discovered in Botswana's Karowe mine
  • Second largest diamond ever found
  • Largest diamond from Southern Africa
  • Discovered using X-ray technology
  • Previous second largest diamond, Sewelô (1,758-carat), sold to Louis Vuitton in 2019
  • Experts need several months to determine the diamond's value
  • Estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars, likely to be cut into smaller gems
  • Cullinan diamond as a reference; subdivided in many smaller gems included in the British Crown jewels

Florida Carpenter Ants Perform Life-Saving "Surgeries"

  • Florida carpenter ants perform life-saving surgeries on injured nestmates
  • Unique social behavior, never observed in other non-human species
  • Ants clean wounds with their mouths
  • Ants amputate legs (femur) of ants with severe injuries
  • Procedure takes around 40 minutes and involves multiple ants
  • Amputation is efficient against infections
  • For less severe (tibia) injuries, ants simply lick the wounds
  • Hemolymph flow and muscle tissue relate to the care decision in different kinds of injuries

Roman Beach Buried By Mount Vesuvius's Eruption Now Open

  • Herculaneum's beach, buried in AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, excavated and restored
  • Opened to the public June 19, 2024
  • Replaced original black sand with dark-colored material for wheelchair accessibility
  • Allows visitors to experience the Roman beach as it was
  • Structures like baths, underground theater, and luxurious homes also excavated
  • Herculaneum, named for Greek God Hercules, was a popular resort for Rome's rich
  • Buried under ~150 ft ash until 1709
  • Excavations found >300 skeletons; suggests residents sought refuge near boats
  • "Ring Lady" skeleton and Roman soldier found illustrate the human experiences

Elephants Assign Unique "Names" To Each Other

  • Elephants assign individual names to each other, a unique ability in non-human species
  • Study analyzed elephant vocalizations (rumbles) recorded over 30 years in Kenya's National Parks
  • Calls appear directed toward specific elephants
  • Machine learning model guessed receiving elephant's identity 28% of the time
  • Elephants likely may not use names in all interactions, similar to human speech patterns
  • Elephants are more likely to use names at longer distances or when calling their young

Centuries Old Preserved Fruit Unearthed

  • 35 glass bottles containing preserved cherries and berries (likely gooseberries or currants) found in George Washington's Mount Vernon cellar
  • Bottles date to the mid-1700s, likely placed there before 1776
  • Preserved fruit likely intended for Washington's table
  • Bottles likely placed there by enslaved members of the Mount Vernon staff
  • Fruits analyzed by USDA scientists, identified as a tart variety
  • Further research is planned on DNA extraction to identify fruit types and climate changes

US Gymnasts Shine At Paris 2024 Olympics

  • US men's gymnastics team won bronze in team all-around after 16-year medal drought, overcoming a disappointing qualifying round
  • Men's team captain Brody Malone delivered
  • Teammates Paul Juda, Asher Hong, and Frederick Richard also performed well
  • Stephen Nedoroscik secured a near-perfect score in the pommel horse event, helping team's win
  • US women's gymnastics team won gold in team all-around, improving by six points over Italy
  • Team captain Simone Biles won gold in the all-around individual competition
  • Sunisa Lee won bronze, in the all-around and uneven bars events
  • Jordan Chiles won bronze in the floor exercise
  • Simone Biles won silver in the floor exercise
  • Biles holds title of most decorated US gymnast in history with 11 medals (7 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze)

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