The world, the universe and us First full genome of Ancient Egyptian sequenced; Wild killer whales offer gifts to humans; First demonstration of interstellar navigation
7 snips
Jul 4, 2025 Mike Marshall, a writer for New Scientist, discusses the groundbreaking sequencing of an ancient Egyptian genome, revealing genetic ties to Mesopotamia and insights into early Egyptian society. Alex Wilkins shares fascinating research on orcas gifting to humans, raising questions about their capacity for altruism. The conversation also explores the New Horizons spacecraft's innovative interstellar navigation, using stellar parallax to locate itself in the galaxy while introducing the newly discovered object, Atlas.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Egyptian-Crescent Genetic Link
- The ancient Egyptian man had 80% North African ancestry and 20% from the Fertile Crescent.
- This genetic mix suggests early connections between Egyptian and Mesopotamian societies.
Man's Skeleton Reveals Potter's Life
- Forensic analysis of the man's skeleton revealed arthritis and muscle markings consistent with sitting legs out and squatting.
- This fits the movements of a potter sitting at a pottery wheel, suggesting his likely occupation.
Possible Link in Writing Origins
- The close timing and genetic links raise the possibility that writing in Egypt and Mesopotamia may not be fully independent inventions.
- Cultural exchange could have influenced the origins of writing systems.