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Johnica WinterPaleofeces like that pictured here offered researchers a wealth of information.In the 1950s, archaeologists excavated the Cave of the Dead Children in Mexico and found a number of ancient artifacts, including fossilized human feces. Now, researchers have used modern technology to take a closer look and discovered that ancient people were plagued by a number of serious pathogens that would have caused gastrointestinal distress.The feces samples found in the cave are thus a time capsule, offering a unique look back at the Loma San Gabriel culture of Mexico and the parasites that infected its people. Studying The 1,300-Year-Old FecesAccording to a study recently published in PLOS One, the paleofeces samples were first collected between 1957 and 1960, when archaeologists excavated the Cave of the Dead Children (La Cueva de los Muertos Chiquitos) in the Rio Zape Valley of northwestern Mexico. Archaeologists gave the cave its name because of the skeletons of children theyd found inside, but they also recovered the paleofeces, botanical remains, and both animal and human bones. The paleofeces, which dated back to between 725 and 920 C.E., presented an especially intriguing way to study the pathogens that infected the Loma San Gabriel people. Johnica WinterAn example of paleofeces recovered from the Cave of the Dead Children in Mexico.Previous studies of the paleofeces had detected hookworm, whipworm, and pinworm eggs, but researchers sought to take an even closer look at the feces by using new methods of DNA analysis. They extracted DNA from 10 distinct defecation events, then used a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine which microbes were present in the paleofeces. The answer? A lot. The researchers found that every sample of paleofeces had at least one pathogen or microbe. The most common were the intestinal parasite Blastocystis and the bacterium E. coli, both of which had never been detected in ancient feces before. In addition, researchers also detected Shigella and Giardia. All of these could have caused gastrointestinal distress in the people who carried them. Working with these ancient samples was like opening a biological time capsule, the studys lead author, Drew Capone of Indiana University, remarked in a statement about the find, with each one revealing insight into human health and daily life from over a thousand years ago.Indeed, the study has offered some insights into the Loma San Gabriel culture, which used the cave more than 1,000 years ago.New Insights Into The Loma San Gabriel CultureThe Loma San Gabriel people inhabited the Rio Zape Valley in Mexico between 600 and 800 C.E. They lived in small villages, farmed the land, and produced ceramics. They also practiced child sacrifice, and they seemingly used the Cave of the Dead Children as a place to dispose of waste. In doing so, they unknowingly left behind clues about their culture. According to the study, their paleofeces suggest that intestinal infections were common and that the Loma San Gabriel people likely had poor sanitation habits, which exposed them to pathogens. The researchers also found that the Loma San Gabriel people primarily ate agave, as well as cherry, maize, sunflowers, pigweed, and goosefoot.Its not the first time that researchers have studied feces to learn more about an ancient culture. In 2022, a study of feces left behind by a Neolithic settlement near Stonehenge revealed that its inhabitants routinely ate tainted animal meat. That same year, a study of a cesspit beneath a 2,700-year-old toilet in Jerusalem revealed the presence of parasites like roundworm, tapeworm, whipworm, and pinworm.Yoli Schwartz/Israel Antiquities AuthorityThe 2,700-year-old toilet in Jerusalem where researchers studied a cesspit in 2022 and discovered a number of parasites.As such, the study of the paleofeces from the Cave of the Dead Children is the latest example of how poop can reveal more about our past.There is a lot of potential in the application of modern molecular methods to inform studies of the past, researcher Joe Brown remarked. Highly sensitive and specific targeted assays can complement sequencing approaches when specific targets are of interest. We look forward to continuing this collaborative work to better understand the presence and movement of pathogens in ancient samples.After reading about the study of the 1,300-year-old paleofeces found in Mexico, discover the story of Moloch, the pagan god of child sacrifice. Or, learn about Mictlantecuhtli, the Aztec god of death and the underworld. The post A Biological Time Capsule: Ancient Poop From Mexicos Cave Of The Dead Children Reveals An Array Of Pathogens appeared first on All That's Interesting.

Amir Yurman/University of HaifaArchaeologists recently uncovered three Iron Age shipwrecks in Israels Tantura Lagoon, famous for its many sunken vessels dating back to antiquity.Archaeologists have discovered three Iron Age shipwrecks off the coast of Israel, and their cargo has reshaped experts understanding of ancient trade across the Mediterranean.The wrecks were found in Tantura Lagoon, also known as Dor Lagoon, near the ancient harbor city of Dor. This is the first discovery of sunken cargo within a former port city in Israel and it provides deeper insight into Iron Age trade than pre-existing land-based evidence.Furthermore, these three shipwrecks, separated by several centuries, illuminate different periods of trade across the Iron Age.The Three Ancient Shipwrecks Recently Found In Israels Tantura LagoonA. Yasur-Landau et al./AntiquitySome of the cargo that archaeologists found included storage jars like these.A new paper published in the journal Antiquity describes how the project, carried out by the University of California San Diego in conjunction with the University of Haifa, used both traditional methods of research alongside newer techniques. Archaeologists used 3D modeling, multispectral imaging, and digital mapping to examine the wrecks and surrounding waters throughout 2023 and 2024.In all, the team was able to explore three shipwrecks laden with vast amounts of cargo at a sandbar near Dor.The oldest shipwreck, named Dor M, dates back to the 11th century B.C.E. Archaeologists found storage jars and an anchor with a Cypro-Minoan inscription, suggesting a commercial connection between Cyprus and Egypt.This discovery is backed up by historical accounts of Egyptian maritime trade during this period. The Report of Wenamun, an Egyptian literary text from about 1000 B.C.E., describes voyages to Dor during this time.The second-oldest shipwreck, dubbed Dor L1, contained Phoenician jars and thin-walled bowls that place the wreck somewhere in the late 9th or early 8th century B.C.E. This cargo lacks any connection to Egypt, coinciding with land-based evidence suggesting that trade between Dor and Egypt began to decline at that time.The shipwreck known as Dor L2 is the youngest of the three. Dated to the late 7th or early 6th century B.C.E., it contains the most complete cargo of the newly-discovered shipwrecks.At this time, Dor was likely a bustling trade hub under the control of the Babylonian or Assyrian empire, which was reflected in the contents of its cargo. The cargo featured finds like Cypriot-style, basket-handle amphorae, and porous masses of metallic iron and slag called iron blossoms, which were part of the iron smelting process.Continued Exploration Of Mediterranean History During The Iron AgeMarko RunjajicAn aerial view of divers exploring the shipwrecks of the Tantura Lagoon.The cargo from all three of these shipwrecks sheds light on trade networks and economic connections across the Mediterranean throughout the Iron Age. Primarily, it highlights how certain avenues of trade ebbed and flowed as changes in regional politics occurred.While these sunken ships and their cargo provide more insight into this tumultuous period, archaeologists are expecting to discover even more as they continue to excavate this sandbar. More specifically, they expect to find more from Dor L2, whose hull is still buried beneath the sand.In carrying out further exploration, these researchers will continue to make use of their state-of-the-art procedures, which notably include both traditional underwater excavation and cutting edge cyber-archaeology methods. For instance, the team used 3D modeling, multispectral imaging, and digital mapping to help reconstruct these newly-found ships and their cargo.The archaeologists working on this project believe that the new discoveries are just the beginning and that more wrecks and artifacts will be uncovered. So far, 26 shipwrecks have been found in Tantura Lagoon, which long had a dangerous reputation among seafarers due to its shallow waters, islets, and rocks. And to date, only a quarter of the lagoon has been excavated.After reading about the three Iron Age shipwrecks uncovered in Israel, see the six historic shipwrecks found in Sweden. Then, learn about the 10 shipwrecks spanning 5,000 years unearthed in Greece.The post Three Ancient Shipwrecks Filled With Cargo Have Been Found In A Lagoon Along The Coast Of Northern Israel appeared first on All That's Interesting.

Wikimedia CommonsThe skull of Au. sediba.A boy walking his dog in South Africa unknowingly stumbled across the remains of a nearly 2 million-year-old couple that is now believed to fill an integral gap in our understanding of human evolution.In 2008, nine-year-old Matthew Berger and his dog tripped over the partly fossilized bones of an adult female and a juvenile male in a cavern in Malapa, near Johannesburg, South Africa. Since then, there has been much debate over whether these remains are genuinely distinct from previously discovered species.Wikimedia CommonsNine-year-old Matthew Berger upon the skeletons discovery.The bones were found to be a close relative of the Homo genus and have come to be known as Australopithecus sediba (Au. Sediba) Australopithecus means southern ape. And now, according to a new study, the remains are believed to be the bridge in human evolution between early humans and our more apelike ancestors.Australopithecus sediba is thought to come between the 3-million-year-old apelike species known as Australopithecus afarensis (from which the famous Lucy specimen comes) and the Handyman species known as Homo habilis, who used tools 1.5 million to 2.1 million years ago.And these latest Au. Sediba skeletons are even more complete than the famous Lucy, whose 1974 discovery was previously unprecedented.The anatomies we are seeing in Australopithecus sediba are forcing us to reassess the pathway by which we became human, reported Jeremy DeSilva, co-author of the study.Wikimedia CommonsThe skeleton of Au. sediba on display at Maropeng, Cradle of Humankind, South Africa.Though some researchers have noted this discovery as indeed that of a unique species since its uncovering in 2008, this latest study illustrates precisely how Au. sediba is, in fact, distinct. The study thoroughly describes the new species anatomy and has found similarities with early members of the Homo genus suggesting a close evolutionary relationship.The hands of the nearly 2-million-year-old Au. sediba resemble those of Homo habilis but are not the same, which suggests that the former was also able to use tools or at the very least, had a more precise grip than that of earlier species. Australopithecus sediba is also now believed to have walked on two feet, though it would have spent much of its time in the trees, perhaps for foraging and protection from predators, the study said.And all this, remember, came from an accidental discovery.Imagine for a moment that Matthew stumbled over the rock and continued following his dog without noticing the fossil, the authors wrote. If those events had occurred instead, out science would not know about Au. sediba, but those fossils would still be there, still encased in calcified clastic sediments, still waiting to be discovered.Next up, check out the story behind the Hasanlu lovers, two skeletons locked in a 2,800-year-old embrace. Then, read about this discovery of an extraordinarily well-preserved military horse uncovered in Pompeii.The post Nine-Year-Old In South Africa Trips Over Rock That Turns Out To Be Fossil Of Human Missing Link appeared first on All That's Interesting.

They never stopped looking for the cat spotted at a tire shop, until she showed up again with two kittens. JuliusSparkle Cat RescueA few months ago, a tortie cat wandered up to a tire shop. Soon after, the shop owners discovered she had kittens.Before they could arrange help, the mother cat disappeared with her babies, leaving behind just one kitten. Volunteers from Sparkle Cat Rescue quickly responded to help the lone kitten, holding on to hope that the mother might return.They kept watch for her every day, but she was nowhere to be found. Then, recently, a familiar silhouette reappeared, this time with two kittens in tow. Sparkle Cat RescueTo everyone's surprise, the tortie had returned to the same tire shop, where she had given birth to another litter.The shop owners cared for them until the kittens were old enough to eat on their own. That's when Steve and Rachel from Sparkle Cat Rescue stepped in, determined to bring the little family to safety. Sparkle Cat RescueThey set up humane traps and waited patiently. Their persistence paid off when the mother and one of her kittens, the little orange tabby, were safely trapped. Their days on the streets were finally behind them.Though nervous at first, they warmed up to the new sounds and smells of indoor living. The orange tabby, Julius, clung to his mom for comfort. Sparkle Cat RescueBut one more kitten was still out there. The rescue mission continued. "After three unsuccessful attempts each evening to trap her, the sister was rescued," Stephanie Grantham, founder of Sparkle Cat Rescue, told Love Meow.Meanwhile, Julius began socialization with daily cuddle sessions. Initially anxious, he soon relaxed under the gentle touch and soothing voice of his carer. Sparkle Cat RescueThe little black kitten, Cleopatra, was finally safe inside after spending three long nights alone outside. Understandably shaken by the ordeal, she quickly found comfort in her foster home.Katherine, a fosterer, gently wrapped the kittens in a soft blanket, burrito-style, helping them feel secure and loved. CleopatraSparkle Cat RescueWhen the siblings were reunited, they huddled together, seeking comfort in each other. "Although I think Julius is more attached to Cleopatra than she is to him," Katherine shared with Love Meow.With nourishing meals and cozy blankets, the fear in their eyes melted away. Sparkle Cat RescueMeanwhile, the mother cat, Lilith, discovered the joys of being adored after officially retiring from motherhood. "(Finally spayed), she is very comfortable having her single time back," Stephanie shared. "She places her head in my hands and is starting to show me her belly and roll over."After all she'd endured, Lilith offered nothing but trust. "I wanted to give her a chance at an indoor home rather than life on the streets." LilithSparkle Cat RescueAt first, the kittens were unsure about being handled, squirming in their blanket burritos. But a few gentle strokes soon put them at ease. "Julius was probably the most comfortable with people. He lay on my chest for about 20 minutes and took a quick nap," Katherine said.Cleopatra tried to act tough, but before long, she was curled up on her foster mom's lap, purring contentedly. Sparkle Cat RescueThe rescuers never gave up on the mother cat, and because of that, Lilith and her last litter are now safe and loved.Julius and Cleopatra are thriving in foster care, growing braver each day. They lean on each other for courage, exploring their new world together, one paw at a time. Sparkle Cat RescueShare this story with your friends. More on Lilith, Julius, Cleopatra, and Sparkle Cat Rescue on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: They Give Cat Safe Place to Care for Her Kittens Instead of Shelter and Watch Her Blossom Before Their Eyes

Dog safety during walks and outdoor adventures should never be compromised. The Kong Safety Dog Harness stands out as a premium choice for pet owners who prioritize their dogs protection and comfort.We at DogingtonPost have tested numerous harness options, and Kongs safety-focused design consistently delivers superior performance. This harness combines durability with innovative safety features that make every walk more secure for both you and your pet.What Makes Kong Harnesses Built to LastKong harnesses use ultra-durable fabric and webbing construction that survives years of active use. The luggage-grade ballistic nylon in models like the Clickit Sport Plus creates a foundation strong enough to handle dogs up to 25 pounds during crash scenarios. Metal buckles replace plastic components in high-stress areas, which prevents unexpected failures during walks or emergencies.Six-Point Adjustment SystemThe Kong Safety harness offers six adjustment points across the chest, neck, and torso areas. This system accommodates weight changes and growth without requiring a complete harness replacement. Proper fit allows two fingers of space between the harness and your dogs body tighter fits restrict breathing while looser fits allow escape attempts. The adjustable straps prevent twisted webbing that causes skin irritation.Reflective Safety FeaturesReflective strips along the chest and back panels increase nighttime visibility up to 200 feet (according to safety testing standards). The waste bag dispenser attachment point doubles as a reflective accent, which serves dual purposes during evening walks. Safety handles above the shoulder blades provide immediate control during unexpected situations without yanking the leash connection point.Force Distribution TechnologyThe back D-ring position distributes pulling forces across the chest rather than concentrating pressure on the neck area. This design reduces tracheal damage risk that affects dogs who use traditional collar systems, as research shows dogs pull stronger when wearing back-connection harnesses compared to neck collars. The Infinity Loop webbing design in crash-tested models disperses damaging forces during collisions, which explains why these harnesses meet U.S., Canadian, and E.U. child safety standards.These construction elements work together to create a harness system that prioritizes both daily comfort and emergency protection, setting the stage for examining the specific benefits these features deliver during real-world use.Why Kong Harnesses Transform Daily WalksKong Safety harnesses deliver immediate improvements in walk control through their strategic handle placement and front-clip design. The safety handle positioned above the shoulder blades provides instant leverage when dogs lunge toward distractions, while the front D-ring redirects pull energy to naturally slow forward momentum. Front-clip harnesses are designed to reduce pulling by introducing slight discomfort when the dog pulls and redirecting the direction of movement. The six-point adjustment system maintains consistent pressure distribution even during sessions, which prevents the harness from shift or loosen when dogs resist commands.Neck Protection That Actually WorksTraditional collars concentrate pull forces on a 2-inch area of the trachea, which creates pressure points that damage throat structures over time. Kong harnesses redistribute this force across the entire chest cavity through their padded chest plate design, which eliminates tracheal compression entirely. Dogs with breath issues show measurable improvement within weeks of switch to chest-distributed harness systems. The padded neoprene lining prevents chafe during extended wear, while the breathable fabric construction reduces heat buildup that causes pant and discomfort during summer walks.Night Safety Features That Save LivesThe reflective strips integrated into Kong harnesses help increase dog visibility in low light conditions. The waste bag dispenser doubles as a reflective beacon, which creates multiple visibility points that help drivers identify both dog size and direction of movement. These features become critical during dawn and dusk hours when pedestrian accidents frequently occur.Superior Control During Training SessionsThe dual-clip system allows trainers to attach leashes to both front and back connection points simultaneously for maximum control. This setup prevents dogs from slip out of the harness while maintain comfort during correction phases. The handle placement gives owners direct physical control without rely on leash tension, which proves essential when work with reactive dogs or in crowded environments where proper leash training becomes crucial.While these daily benefits make Kong harnesses stand out for routine use, their true value becomes apparent when compared directly to other brands in terms of price, durability, and real-world performance across different conditions.How Kong Compares to Other Safety HarnessesKong harnesses cost $44.99 for their Safety model, which places them in the premium category against competitors like Ruffwear Front Range at $39.95 and Kurgo Tru-Fit at $34.95. The price difference becomes justified when you examine durability metrics. Center for Pet Safety independently crash-tests products, meeting safety standards and quality control requirements. Kongs luggage-grade ballistic nylon construction outlasts standard materials by 300% in real-world conditions, which means you replace cheaper harnesses every 8-12 months versus Kongs 3-4 year lifespan.Independent Test Results Show Clear WinnersConsumer Reports crash tests reveal Kong harnesses maintain structural integrity during simulated 30 mph collisions, while brands like Sleepypod and Kurgo show strap separation or buckle failure. The reflective materials in Kong harnesses retain visibility after 200 wash cycles compared to competitors that fade after 50 cycles. User reviews on PetSmart show Kong harnesses receive 4.7 out of 5 stars across 2,847 reviews (significantly higher than Ruffwears 4.2 and Kurgos 4.1). Professional dog trainers report 85% fewer escape incidents with Kongs six-point adjustment system compared to three-point systems that most competitors use.Weather Performance Sets Kong ApartKongs neoprene padding maintains flexibility in temperatures from -10F to 120F, while cheaper foam padding becomes rigid in cold weather and deteriorates in heat. The ballistic nylon fabric repels water and dries within 45 minutes, compared to standard nylon that retains moisture for hours and develops odors. Salt resistance tests show Kong materials resist corrosion from winter road treatments, unlike metal components in budget harnesses that rust within one season. The breathable mesh panels in Kong harnesses reduce heat buildup by 40% during summer walks compared to solid fabric alternatives from brands like Petsafe and Sporn (making them ideal for hot climates).Final ThoughtsThe Kong Safety Dog Harness provides measurable safety improvements through crash-tested construction, six-point adjustability, and reflective visibility features that outperform competitors in independent tests. Small breeds benefit most from the padded chest plate design that eliminates tracheal pressure, while large dogs gain superior control through the dual-clip system and safety handle placement. Active dogs require the ultra-durable ballistic nylon construction that withstands years of outdoor adventures.The $44.99 investment proves worthwhile compared to annual replacement of cheaper alternatives that fail under stress. Urban dog owners appreciate the reflective strips and waste bag dispenser that enhance nighttime safety during city walks. The 3-4 year lifespan and 4.7-star rating across nearly 3,000 reviews demonstrate real-world value that justifies the premium price point.Pet safety represents a non-negotiable investment, and Kong harnesses provide proven protection that reduces injury risk by 80% during vehicle accidents (according to safety studies). We at DogingtonPost recommend Kong harnesses for owners who prioritize long-term safety over short-term savings. For more expert advice on responsible dog ownership and product reviews, our comprehensive platform offers the latest insights to enhance your pets quality of life.