Archaeologists have discovered an ancient stone scoreboard used in a soccer-like ball game at the Mayan Chichen Itza archaeological site in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. The circular piece is decorated with hieroglyphic writing and two players standing next to a ball. It is believed to have been used for ritualistic events to settle disputes and honor the gods, and was a popular spectator sport. This discovery provides insight into the ancient Mayan culture and is a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting ancient sites.
Posts published in “Science”
The Biden administration has released an environmental analysis of competing plans for how seven Western states and tribes reliant on the Colorado River should cut their water use. The review did not state which option should be chosen, but defended the Interior Department's authority to make sure basic needs such as drinking water and hydropower are met. The White House has proposed new measures to dramatically cut how much water states can draw from the Colorado River, and the Interior Department is expected to make a decision soon.
The Colorado River is a vital source of water and electricity for seven states and numerous tribes. The US Interior Department has released two plans for how to reduce water usage in the Colorado River system, with California and some tribes favoring one and the other six states favoring the other. The Biden administration has declined to take a side, but the analysis provides an overview of the situation and potential consequences of each plan to help the states and tribes come to an agreement.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council has voted to close king salmon fishing season along much of the West Coast for the 2023 season due to near-record low numbers of the fish returning to California's rivers. This closure is a major blow to the fishing industry, but is necessary to ensure the long-term health of the Chinook salmon population. The Council is now working with state and federal agencies to develop a plan to help the Chinook salmon population recover.
This article discusses the unusually active start to the tornado season in the United States, with 478 tornado reports across 25 states. One person died and several others were injured in Illinois when a storm system caused the roof of a packed theater to collapse. Research is ongoing to determine how tornado activity will change in a warming world, and the National Weather Service is urging people to stay alert and take necessary safety precautions.
The White House is preparing for its annual Easter Egg Roll, featuring a special addition of the White House's own Official Easter Bunny Family. First Lady Jill Biden has put her own spin on the event, making it an "EGGucational" experience with stations on the South Lawn and Ellipse to teach children about farming, healthier eating, exercise, and more. Additionally, NASA has sent a souvenir wooden White House Easter egg to the International Space Station for the astronauts to use in teaching students about gravity.
OCEARCH tracked a massive 1,400-pound great white shark, named Breton, off the coast of North Carolina this weekend. Breton's migration data showed that the shark pinged off the coast of North Carolina in late March of 2023, indicating that the Outer Banks are a common spring staging area for great whites before they migrate north for the summer. OCEARCH's data provides insight into the behavior and migration patterns of great whites, which can help inform conservation efforts and protect these animals.
Archaeologists from New York University's Institute for the Study of the Ancient World have discovered at least 2,000 mummified ram heads and other animal remains at the temple of Ramses II in the ancient city of Abydos in southern Egypt. The ram heads are believed to be votive offerings, indicating the enduring reverence for Ramses II, even a millennium after his death. The discoveries are expected to expand knowledge of the site and will be put on display in the near future.