An Oxford University research team has compiled an impressive archive of over 4,000 ancient human brains, making it the most comprehensive study of its kind to date. Spanning all continents except Antarctica, the oldest brain in the collection is 12,000 years old! 🌍🕰️ These groundbreaking findings could unlock secrets about how these delicate organs were preserved over millennia and help scientists explore if diseases we face today existed in the past. Additionally, the archive may offer insights into how modern lifestyles and environmental factors influence these conditions.
AI vs. the Human Mind
In a fascinating showdown, artificial intelligence took the crown over humans in a creativity contest conducted by the University of Arkansas. 🏆🤖 A group of 151 participants competed against GPT-4 in three divergent thinking challenges, like imagining a world without sleep and listing 10 unrelated nouns. GPT-4 consistently delivered more original and elaborate responses than its human counterparts. However, researchers highlighted that AI's creativity thrives on human input, meaning without our prompts, AI creativity remains dormant.
Bird Flu in Antarctica
Adélie penguins in Antarctica have tested positive for H5N1 bird flu, but surprisingly, they show no symptoms so far. 🐧❄️ Since the virus reached Antarctica this year, there were fears it could devastate the penguin population. After two months of close monitoring, infected penguins are still foraging normally. Scientists remain cautiously optimistic but continue to keep a vigilant eye, as asymptomatic penguins might spread the virus to other vulnerable species in the region.
Galactic Origins
Astronomers using the European Space Agency's Gaia space telescope have discovered two ancient star streams named Shakti and Shiva. 🌌✨ These streams are believed to be remnants from other galaxies that merged with our Milky Way around 12 billion years ago and are now located about 30,000 light years from the galactic center. Studying the fusion of Shakti and Shiva could provide valuable clues about the origins and early formation of our galaxy.
