So, Let’s delve into the new scientific research that happened in the past month or so and explore the latest technologies that are being created and breakthroughs that were achieved in this field.
In the current blog, you will read about the following science events of the month:
- NASA decides to keep two astronauts in space till February
- 4.4 Billion humans lack safe drinking water around Globe
- Polio outbreak in Gaza with no vaccinations since last year
- Researchers to dump tons of Alkaline chemicals into oceans to boost uptake of CO2
- Humans found to age in two bursts @ 44 & 60
- Gut Microbes related to fatty diet drive tumour growth
- Researchers working on the thermal threshold that humans can endure
- Breaking a fast seems to have more benefits than fasting itself
- “We are what we eat” Different Microbial genome found in different foods
- Steet lights affecting nutrition in insects
- AI tools in future may have energy ratings
- Stone age builders found to be engineering savy
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| Current Science Report: August 2024, Mufawad |
NASA decides to keep two astronauts in space till February
NASA has decided to delay the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the International Space Station, opting to wait for a SpaceX capsule instead of using Boeing’s Starliner. The delay, which extends what was initially a weeklong test flight into an over-eight-month mission, comes after ongoing technical issues with the Starliner capsule, including thruster failures and helium leaks.
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The decision was made after thorough testing and evaluation of the risks associated with the Starliner’s return capabilities. The spacecraft’s thrusters, essential safe re-entry, experienced multiple failures, and engineers were concerned about the reliability of the system.
Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, both experienced astronauts, were originally scheduled to oversee the critical return phase of Starliner’s test flight. However, due to the capsule’s issues, their return will now be in February aboard a SpaceX capsule, which will be modified to accommodate them. The Starliner capsule will undock in early September and return to Earth autonomously.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized that the decision reflects a commitment to safety, underscoring that open dialogue and thorough risk assessment are crucial. This cautious approach is informed by past space missions, including the space shuttle accidents, where safety issues were not always fully addressed.
Boeing, which had hoped to use this mission to demonstrate Starliner’s capabilities, is now facing increased scrutiny due to ongoing safety concerns. Despite this setback, Boeing has pledged to prioritize crew and spacecraft safety and is preparing the Starliner for an autonomous return.
The delay has also affected the scheduling of SpaceX’s missions. The SpaceX capsule currently at the ISS is reserved for four astronauts who have been there since March. Their return has been delayed by a month due to the Starliner situation. A new SpaceX flight, scheduled for late September, will carry two astronauts to make space for Wilmore and Williams on their return.
NASA remains optimistic about Starliner’s future, with plans to address and correct its issues. The goal is to eventually have both SpaceX and Boeing providing reliable crew transportation for the ISS, though Boeing’s timeline for achieving this is now extended.
Courtesy: Associated Press
4.4 Billion humans lack safe drinking water around Globe
A recent study published in Science reveals that approximately 4.4 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, double the previous estimate. This new figure suggests that more than half of the global population does not have clean and accessible water, highlighting significant gaps in health data and questioning which estimate more accurately reflects the situation.
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Previously, the United Nations (UN) tracked global drinking water access based on whether sources were "improved," meaning they were likely protected from contamination but did not guarantee water quality. This approach suggested that about 90% of the population had access to improved sources. However, the UN's metrics did not fully account for the cleanliness of the water.
The updated criteria for safely managed drinking-water sources, introduced in 2015, require that water sources be improved, consistently available, accessible, and free from contamination. Using this framework, the Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (JMP), a collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, estimated in 2020 that 2.2 billion people lacked access to safe drinking water. This estimate used data from various sources, including national censuses and household surveys.
In contrast, the Science paper's estimate of 4.4 billion people relies on survey responses from 64,723 households in 27 low- and middle-income countries between 2016 and 2020. The researchers used a machine-learning algorithm and global geospatial data to estimate that half of these individuals are exposed to water contaminated with pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia coli.
The discrepancy between the two estimates reflects ongoing challenges in measuring water quality. Robert Bain, a UNICEF statistician, notes that while the JMP's approach aggregates extensive data, it has limitations in how it represents water quality. The Science study's sophisticated model offers a new perspective but may still be limited by the dynamic nature of water quality.
Regardless of the exact number, the findings underscore a critical need to improve access to clean water. Esther Greenwood, a water researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, emphasizes that the current situation is unacceptable and calls for urgent action.
Courtesy: Nature
Polio outbreak in Gaza with no vaccinations since last year
The Gaza Strip is facing a significant resurgence of polio, prompting urgent calls for a temporary halt in the ongoing conflict to facilitate a mass vaccination effort. Recently, one polio case has been confirmed, and there are several suspected cases, with the virus also detected in wastewater samples from six different locations in July. This is particularly alarming given that Gaza had eradicated polio 25 years ago.
The resurgence is attributed to a dramatic drop in vaccination rates following the outbreak of war 10 months ago. The ongoing conflict has led to overcrowded conditions in displaced persons camps, with inadequate sanitation and access to clean water, creating a environment for the virus to spread. Aid groups are planning to vaccinate over 600,000 children but are facing significant obstacles due to the war.
To counter this threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have called for at least a seven-day ceasefire to allow for effective vaccination efforts. They plan to deliver 1.6 million doses of polio vaccine into Gaza, where the destruction of sanitation and water systems has led to open pits of human waste and severe hygiene issues. This makes the task of vaccinating the population particularly challenging.
Health organizations estimate that around 50,000 babies born since the conflict began have missed their polio vaccinations. The WHO and UNICEF have reported that three children are suspected of having polio, with tests confirming one case in a 10-month-old child. The urgency of the situation is highlighted by the risk of a full-blown outbreak if immediate action is not taken.
The Hamas has agreed to a seven-day truce to facilitate this effort. The U.N. has noted that without a pause in the fighting, carrying out vaccinations will be nearly impossible. The challenges include retrieving medical supplies amidst ongoing military assaults and maintaining the cold chain necessary for vaccine storage.
Before the war, Gaza had a polio vaccination rate of 99%, but this has dropped to 86%. The goal is to increase coverage back above 95%. The upcoming vaccination campaign aims to address the growing threat and prevent a potential polio epidemic in the region.
Courtesy: Associated Press
Adam Subhas, a chemical oceanographer at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), is used to working behind the scenes. His research has focused on how seawater can naturally absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) to help mitigate global warming. However, he is now at the center of a contentious public debate. Next month, Subhas and his team plan to conduct an unprecedented experiment off the coast of Massachusetts, where they intend to release large quantities of caustic chemicals into the ocean to see if they can enhance the ocean's capacity to absorb CO2. They are seeking the first-ever regulatory approval for such a study from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This plan has sparked concerns among nearby residents and environmental groups, who have urged the EPA to delay or halt the experiment.
To counter this threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have called for at least a seven-day ceasefire to allow for effective vaccination efforts. They plan to deliver 1.6 million doses of polio vaccine into Gaza, where the destruction of sanitation and water systems has led to open pits of human waste and severe hygiene issues. This makes the task of vaccinating the population particularly challenging.
Health organizations estimate that around 50,000 babies born since the conflict began have missed their polio vaccinations. The WHO and UNICEF have reported that three children are suspected of having polio, with tests confirming one case in a 10-month-old child. The urgency of the situation is highlighted by the risk of a full-blown outbreak if immediate action is not taken.
The Hamas has agreed to a seven-day truce to facilitate this effort. The U.N. has noted that without a pause in the fighting, carrying out vaccinations will be nearly impossible. The challenges include retrieving medical supplies amidst ongoing military assaults and maintaining the cold chain necessary for vaccine storage.
Before the war, Gaza had a polio vaccination rate of 99%, but this has dropped to 86%. The goal is to increase coverage back above 95%. The upcoming vaccination campaign aims to address the growing threat and prevent a potential polio epidemic in the region.
Courtesy: Associated Press
Researchers to dump tons of Alkaline chemicals into oceans to boost uptake of CO2
Adam Subhas, a chemical oceanographer at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), is used to working behind the scenes. His research has focused on how seawater can naturally absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) to help mitigate global warming. However, he is now at the center of a contentious public debate. Next month, Subhas and his team plan to conduct an unprecedented experiment off the coast of Massachusetts, where they intend to release large quantities of caustic chemicals into the ocean to see if they can enhance the ocean's capacity to absorb CO2. They are seeking the first-ever regulatory approval for such a study from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This plan has sparked concerns among nearby residents and environmental groups, who have urged the EPA to delay or halt the experiment.
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The controversy reflects a broader debate about geoengineering—deliberate interventions to counteract climate change. Brad Ack, CEO of Ocean Visions, a nonprofit that supports small-scale geoengineering tests, believes that the outcome of this project could set a crucial precedent for future studies. “If this gets rejected, it will make future efforts more challenging,” Ack says.
The ocean already plays a significant role in regulating CO2 levels by absorbing approximately 10 billion tons of CO2 annually—about 25% of global emissions from fossil fuels. This natural process involves the erosion of alkaline minerals like limestone into seawater, where they react with CO2 to form bicarbonate, which can remain in the ocean for millennia. By adding more alkaline substances to the ocean, scientists hope to enhance this process. However, this approach is fraught with uncertainties, such as potential impacts on marine ecosystems, the effectiveness of CO2 capture, and the reliability of measurement methods for carbon credits.
Subhas’s project, which is part of a $10 million initiative funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), involves pouring a solution containing 20 tons of sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye, into the Atlantic Ocean about 35 kilometers off Cape Cod. The team will monitor the impact on ocean chemistry, phytoplankton, and microbes. In a subsequent phase, they plan to release 200 tons of sodium hydroxide further north in the Gulf of Maine in 2025.
With companies beginning to offer alkalinity enhancement as a climate solution, there is a pressing need for research by reputable scientific institutions like WHOI, according to Cristina Schultz, an oceanographer at Northeastern University. “WHOI is well-positioned to conduct this research,” she asserts.
WHOI officials expect only short-term effects on marine species near the release site, as they plan to limit the chemical flows to prevent the ocean pH from exceeding 9 for more than a few minutes—EPA’s threshold for potential harm to aquatic life. An observer on the ship will monitor for protected species like whales.
Over the past two years, WHOI has engaged with Indigenous groups, environmentalists, and the fishing industry, and has held public presentations to address concerns. “We want to ensure we’re proceeding carefully,” Subhas says.
In late May, the EPA tentatively supported the project, suggesting that the scientific benefits outweigh potential environmental risks. A final decision is expected soon, with the first phase of the test scheduled for late September.
However, some local fishers worry that the chemicals might harm marine life or affect consumer confidence in local seafood, according to Aubrey Church, fisheries policy director for the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance. Church commended WHOI scientists for addressing concerns but requested that EPA approve only the first phase of the experiment to allow for review before proceeding with the larger second phase.
Given the controversies surrounding geoengineering, scientists need to prioritize public engagement, says Sikina Jinnah, a social scientist at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She emphasizes that effective communication with the public is crucial for gaining support and moving forward with such innovative but contentious research. “Engaging with the public is essential for advancing these experiments,” she concludes.
Courtesy: The Science
Humans found to age in two bursts @ 44 & 60
Recent research suggests that aging does not occur gradually but instead manifests in two distinct bursts around the ages of 44 and 60. This study, led by Prof. Michael Snyder from Stanford University, tracked thousands of molecules in individuals aged 25 to 75, revealing dramatic shifts in molecular and microbial profiles at these key ages.
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The research involved 108 volunteers who provided a range of biological samples—blood, stool, skin, oral, and nasal swabs—over periods ranging from one to nearly seven years. The study analyzed 135,000 different molecules, including RNA, proteins, metabolites, and various microbes present in the participants.
Rather than observing a slow, steady change, the researchers identified two significant waves of age-related changes:
Mid-40s: The first wave of changes includes shifts in molecules associated with cardiovascular disease and the metabolism of substances like caffeine, alcohol, and lipids. This period of accelerated aging was initially thought to be due to perimenopausal changes in women, but similar shifts were observed in men, indicating broader factors at play.
Early 60s: The second wave involves molecules related to immune regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, and kidney function. Changes in skin and muscle aging were noted at both key time points.
The study's findings align with previous evidence that the risk of many age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease, increases significantly after age 60. The timing of these bursts of aging could also be influenced by lifestyle and behavioral factors, such as increased alcohol consumption during the mid-40s, a period often marked by significant life stress.
Understanding these bursts in aging can help in developing targeted health interventions. For example, increased exercise during periods of rapid muscle loss could be beneficial. Prof. Snyder emphasizes the importance of adjusting lifestyles while individuals are still healthy to mitigate the effects of these accelerated aging phases.
Overall, this research highlights that aging is not a linear process but involves distinct phases that may require different approaches for maintaining health.
Courtesy: Guardian
Gut Microbes related to fatty diet drive tumour growth
A study published on May 6 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science found a link between diet, gut bacteria, and breast cancer. Researchers discovered that a high-fat diet increased the number of Desulfovibrio bacteria in mice, suppressing their immune systems and accelerating tumor growth.
This discovery may lead to new breast cancer treatments, the most common cancer in women. Erwei Song, a breast-cancer surgeon at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital in China, noted that a high-fat diet might promote tumor growth or recurrence. Researchers took tissue and fecal samples from 61 breast cancer patients, finding that women with a body mass index (BMI) over 24 had higher levels of Desulfovibrio bacteria.
In mice, those on a high-fat diet showed increased Desulfovibrio bacteria and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which inhibit the immune system. Higher levels of the amino acid leucine were also found in mice on high-fat diets, but after treatment with antibiotics that killed Desulfovibrio, both leucine and MDSC levels normalized.
In people, those with a BMI over 24 had higher leucine levels, more MDSCs, and shorter survival rates post-treatment. Desulfovibrio bacteria seem to thrive on high-fat diets, producing leucine, which raises MDSCs and suppresses immunity, aiding tumor growth.
Stephen Hursting, a nutritional biologist, and Katherine Loree Cook, a microbiome-focused cancer biologist, agree that the study offers strong evidence of gut bacteria influencing cancer. However, Cook warns that gut microbiomes vary by region and diet, so findings may not be universal. Both researchers see potential for new treatments by targeting leucine-producing bacteria.
Courtesy: Nature
“We are what we eat” Different Microbial genome found in different foods
The study published in Cell on 29 August represents the most comprehensive analysis of food microbiomes ever conducted. Researchers, led by Nicola Segata from the University of Trento, Italy, sequenced microbial DNA from nearly 2,000 different foods, incorporating both fermented and unfermented items, to build a detailed picture of the microbes present in our diets.
The findings revealed a vast array of microorganisms, with about half being previously unknown. Fermented foods like salami, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir were particularly rich in specific microbes such as Lactobacillus, while other foods, including coffee, kombucha, and pu’er tea, shared microbes with alcoholic beverages. This highlights the crucial role of lactic acid bacteria in fermented foods, and how microbial communities can vary even among similar types of food.
Additionally, the study found that about 3% of the microbial species in adults' gut microbiomes, 8% in children's, and over 50% in newborns' were also present in foods. This overlap suggests that some of these microbes might have been introduced through diet, but it could also indicate historical colonization of these microbes in the human gut.
The research also uncovered new microbes, especially in foods like Pulque (a sour agave wine from Mexico), African palm wine, and cheese brine. These previously unidentified microbes provide new avenues for research into how they contribute to the properties of these foods.
Overall, the study enhances our understanding of the relationship between diet and microbial communities, setting the stage for further investigation into why specific microbes are found in particular foods and how they might influence taste, spoilage, and other properties. The identification of unknown microbes also opens the possibility of developing new foods with unique characteristics.
Courtesy: Nature
Researchers working on the thermal threshold that humans can endure
In 2019, physiologist Ollie Jay embarked on creating a sophisticated climate chamber designed to replicate both current and future heatwave conditions. After an 18-month development period and a cost of AU$2 million (US$1.3 million), the chamber was constructed and then transported from Brisbane to the University of Sydney. The chamber, now situated atop a modern glass building, is utilized by researchers, including Jay, to examine human endurance and physiological responses to extreme heat, a field that is surprisingly under-researched.
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Jay, who leads the heat and health laboratory at the University of Sydney, explains that while we hear about dangerously high temperatures, we lack detailed knowledge about their impact on human health. By replicating these conditions in a controlled environment and closely monitoring participants, Jay’s team aims to gain a deeper understanding of how extreme heat affects the body and to identify the most effective cooling strategies to mitigate health risks.
The increasing frequency of severe heatwaves, driven by climate change, has become a major concern. Last month saw records for the hottest days globally being surpassed twice, prompting a UN call for urgent action to address extreme heat. Approximately 70% of the global workforce, or 2.4 billion people, now face significant heat-related risks.
Despite this, guidance on how to handle high temperatures remains inadequate, and practical methods for cooling have not been thoroughly studied. Larry Kenney, a physiologist at Pennsylvania State University, criticizes existing heat advisories from reputable organizations like the CDC and WHO, noting they often contain errors regarding human physiology.
Jay’s climate chamber is a cutting-edge facility measuring 4 by 5 meters, capable of adjusting temperature every minute from 5°C to 55°C, controlling wind speed, and simulating sunlight with infrared lamps. It also allows precise control over humidity, a crucial factor in heat stress. Participants in the chamber can perform activities such as eating, sleeping, and exercising while being monitored for heart rate, breathing, sweating, and body temperature.
Previous studies have relied on a theoretical model from 2010, which estimated a wet-bulb temperature (WBT) of 35°C as the survival limit for a young, healthy individual. This model, however, treated the human body as static and unclothed, making its conclusions less applicable to real-world conditions. Jay’s team finds this model inadequate and is working on more accurate assessments.
Kenney’s 2021 study revised the survival limit to approximately 31°C WBT, based on experiments with young, healthy individuals. This new estimate is gaining acceptance among researchers. Jay’s lab is also testing a comprehensive mathematical model that incorporates physiological data from various age groups and conditions, predicting survival limits between 26°C and 34°C for young individuals and 21°C to 34°C for older individuals.
The model shows that survival limits are lower in direct sunlight and for older individuals compared to younger people. It also assesses livability limits for different activities, although further testing is needed. Jay’s team plans to use this model to refine heat-related health advice and develop better cooling solutions.
One of Jay’s other research focuses is on practical cooling strategies for workers in hot environments, such as garment factory workers in Bangladesh. The team has recreated factory conditions in the chamber to test various cooling methods, including fans and water consumption. They have also explored the effects of cooling techniques on older individuals in different heat conditions.
Additionally, Jay’s lab has investigated cooling methods for babies in strollers, finding that a damp white muslin cloth provides significant cooling benefits compared to a dry one. This research has garnered media attention and influenced public practices.
Courtesy: BBC
Breaking a fast seems to have more benefits than fasting itself
A recent study published in Nature highlights the complex interplay between fasting and refeeding, revealing that breaking a fast stimulates beneficial stem-cell activity. Researchers, led by Omer Yilmaz at MIT, discovered that after a period of fasting, stem cells in mice become highly active during the refeeding phase. This increased activity aids in repairing intestinal damage and supports regeneration by producing polyamines, molecules crucial for cell growth and division.
However, the study also found that this regenerative boost has potential drawbacks. Mice that underwent a refeeding period after fasting and had a genetic predisposition to cancer showed a higher incidence of precancerous polyps and tumors compared to those that did not fast. This suggests that while refeeding enhances stem-cell activity, it may also elevate the risk of cancer development due to the increased proliferation of cells during this vulnerable period.
The study involved three groups of mice: those that fasted for 24 hours, those that fasted and then ate for 24 hours, and a control group that ate normally throughout the study. The results showed that stem cells in the refeeding group multiplied at the fastest rate, indicating a significant repair mechanism. However, when a cancer-causing gene was activated during the refeeding phase, the likelihood of tumor development increased, highlighting the potential for heightened cancer susceptibility during this period.
These findings underscore the dual nature of fasting and refeeding, presenting both regenerative benefits and increased cancer risks. The study suggests that while fasting can enhance the repair processes in the intestines, the subsequent refeeding period may create a “vulnerable state” that warrants caution, particularly for individuals with existing genetic predispositions to cancer.
Courtesy: The Hindu
Steet lights affecting nutrition in insects
A recent study has revealed that streetlights left on overnight are causing tree leaves to become tougher, which in turn threatens the food chain by reducing insect consumption. The research, published in Frontiers in Plant Science, found that trees in urban areas show significantly less insect damage compared to those in rural settings. Dr. Shuang Zhang of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who led the study, explains that artificial light at night is a key factor behind this phenomenon.
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The researchers focused on two common tree species in Beijing: Japanese pagoda and green ash trees. They discovered that artificial light increases leaf toughness and decreases herbivory. The team studied trees from 30 sites along major roads with streetlights and measured the light levels at each location. They then analyzed nearly 5,500 leaves for attributes like size, toughness, water content, and chemical defenses.
Their findings showed that leaves in areas with higher light levels were significantly tougher and exhibited less insect damage. The researchers hypothesize that artificial light might prolong the trees' photosynthesis period, thereby enhancing their defense mechanisms.
While leaves free from insect damage might seem visually appealing, this lack of herbivory can have detrimental effects on ecosystems. Zhang points out that herbivory is crucial for maintaining insect biodiversity. Reduced insect populations can lead to cascading ecological impacts, affecting predator insects, insect-eating birds, and more. The decline in insect populations is a global issue, and this research highlights the need to consider the broader ecological consequences of artificial lighting.
Courtesy: Guardian
AI tools in future may have energy ratings
As the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) models expands across various applications, from web searches to creating music videos, there is increasing concern about the technology’s environmental impact. A report from the International Energy Agency in January estimated that electricity consumption by data centers could double by 2026, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements in efficiency to manage this anticipated surge.
Some technology leaders have attempted to downplay the environmental impact, suggesting that AI could drive scientific advancements leading to reduced carbon emissions or that future energy sources, such as nuclear fusion, might mitigate the current issues. However, the immediate reality is that the energy demands of AI are contributing to the continued operation of aging coal power plants and increasing emissions from companies providing the computing power for these technologies. Given the critical need to address climate change urgently, regulators, policymakers, and AI firms must tackle the problem head-on.
One promising initiative is the AI Energy Star project, inspired by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star ratings, which have successfully guided consumers towards energy-efficient products like washing machines and cars.
The goal of the AI Energy Star project is to create a similar system for AI models, providing a transparent measure of their energy consumption. By evaluating a range of AI models and establishing ratings based on their energy efficiency, the project aims to help users make informed choices and encourage developers to prioritize energy efficiency.
The initial phase of this project involves benchmarking open-source models hosted on platforms like Hugging Face. By measuring energy consumption for various tasks, such as image classification and text generation, the project has revealed significant disparities in energy use. For instance, while some question-answering models use as little as 0.1 watt-hours to process 1,000 queries, image-generation models can require up to 1,600 watt-hours for the same number of outputs, highlighting a 16,000-fold difference. Such data is crucial for guiding both developers and users towards more sustainable AI practices.
To drive meaningful progress, several actions are recommended: engaging AI developers in considering sustainability, pushing the market towards energy-efficient solutions, encouraging users to prioritize models with disclosed energy consumption, and strengthening regulation and governance to enforce energy efficiency standards. Policymakers can play a crucial role by setting global standards and establishing independent authorities to monitor AI energy consumption over time.
While the AI Energy Star project is a significant first step, more comprehensive efforts are needed to account for all aspects of AI’s energy use, including model storage, networking, and data-center cooling.
Courtesy: Nature
Stone age builders found to be engineering savy
The Dolmen of Menga, a massive stone chamber in southern Spain built nearly 6,000 years ago, offers a fascinating glimpse into the advanced engineering skills of its Neolithic builders. Recent research, detailed in a study published in Science Advances on 23 August, reveals that the construction of this ancient monument involved a sophisticated understanding of physics, geometry, geology, and architecture.
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The study, which utilized high-resolution laser scans alongside unpublished photos and diagrams from previous excavations, uncovers the technical prowess of the builders. The Dolmen of Menga predates Stonehenge by approximately 1,000 years, but the construction techniques used were comparable in their complexity and precision. According to Leonardo GarcÃa Sanjuán, an archaeologist at the University of Seville and co-author of the study, the builders managed to fit together enormous stone blocks with remarkable accuracy, ensuring the monument's durability for nearly six millennia.
The dolmen was constructed using 32 massive stone blocks transported from a quarry about one kilometer away. These blocks formed the walls, pillars, and roof of a chamber measuring approximately 28 meters long, 6 meters wide, and 3.5 meters high. One of the largest capstones, which forms part of the roof, measures 8 meters in length and weighs around 150 tonnes—significantly larger than the largest stones used in Stonehenge, which weigh about 30 tonnes.
Transporting and positioning these colossal stones required meticulous planning and engineering. The researchers propose that the builders may have used wooden tracks to reduce friction and ease the movement of the stones, similar to techniques used at Stonehenge. The precise placement of the upright stones into 1.5-meter-deep sockets carved into the bedrock involved the use of counterweights and ramps to achieve millimeter-scale accuracy. The stones were shaped with facets that allowed them to interlock perfectly with adjacent stones once the weights and ramps were removed.
Michael Parker Pearson, an archaeologist at University College London, praised the engineering skills demonstrated by the builders, highlighting the extraordinary precision required. Any slight misalignment would have been challenging to correct once the stones were set in place. Despite the seismically active nature of the region, the Dolmen of Menga has remained structurally sound over thousands of years, showcasing the builders' exceptional expertise.
In summary, the Dolmen of Menga not only stands as a testament to the Neolithic builders' advanced understanding of construction principles but also emphasizes their remarkable ability to execute complex engineering tasks with the tools and knowledge available to them at the time.
Courtesy: Nature
