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Ancient Egyptian mummies smell 'sweet' and 'spicy'
Feb 17, 2025
Discover the fascinating scents of ancient Egyptian mummies through pioneering smell analysis that could enhance museum experiences. Find out why a South Korean app, DeepSeek, faces security issues. Learn about the Royal Society's response to Elon Musk's controversies, and hear about exciting breakthroughs like brain implants for treating Parkinson's. Also, rumors swirl around a foldable iPhone and the increasing value of classic video games. It's a blend of history, technology, and innovation!
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Quick takeaways
- Research on mummified bodies reveals the aromas of ancient Egyptian embalming practices, highlighting unexpected domestic scents like tea.
- Cambridge scientists are developing brain implants to improve Parkinson's treatment and potentially address other neurological disorders.
Deep dives
Innovative Smell Analysis of Mummies
Research conducted on mummified bodies has utilized smell analysis to gain insights into ancient embalming practices. The study involved two methods: capturing air from around the sarcophagus and using polymer tubes to trap volatile organic compounds for laboratory analysis. Common smells identified included woody, floral, and incense-like aromas, some of which were linked to embalming materials such as frankincense and myrrh. Surprisingly, one distinctive scent reminiscent of tea was found, indicating unexpected domestic elements in the mummification context, and plans are in place to reconstruct these scents for museum visitors to experience.
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