UPDATENEWS
Tuesday, 7 January 2025
Live Score: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI
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'Can you see a world with just three teams playing cricket?'
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2,300-Year-Old Dwarf Statuette from Alexandria Reveals Ptolemaic Art Insights
A 2,300-year-old marble statuette discovered in Alexandria, Egypt, has offered new insights into how dwarves were perceived during the Ptolemaic period (332–150 B.C.). Depicting a muscular, nude dwarf in motion, the 4-inch sculpture reflects a combination of Egyptian and Greek artistic traditions. Despite missing its arms, legs, and part of the head, the craftsmanship of the piece indicates a highly skilled rendering of human anatomy. It is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Depictions of Dwarves in Ptolemaic Art
According to information from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as reported by Live Science, the statuette incorporates elements from Greek art, such as classical nudity and Hellenistic realism, blended with Egyptian cultural aesthetics. This synthesis points to the cultural exchange that characterised the Ptolemaic dynasty, a period when Egypt was ruled by Ptolemy I Soter, a general of Alexander the Great. The depiction of a dwarf engaged in dance suggests a significant societal role, unlike the exaggerated caricatures of dwarves often seen in Greek art.
Egyptian Perspectives on Dwarves
Historical records indicate that dwarves were highly regarded in ancient Egypt, often serving in the households of nobles and pharaohs. Their association with the god Bes, who was depicted as a short and muscular protector of families and women in childbirth, contributed to their societal acceptance. Bes, known as a dancer and tambourine player, symbolises strength and guardianship in Egyptian mythology. The statuette's design, which likely depicted the dwarf with a percussion instrument, aligns with this cultural significance.
A Glimpse into Cultural Integration
The artifact demonstrates the integration of different human forms into Egyptian society during the Ptolemaic era. The Met has emphasised that such depictions reflect a broader tradition of valuing diverse body types, setting the Egyptian approach apart from other ancient civilisations. This statuette, though small in size, offers a profound understanding of cultural dynamics during a transformative period in history.
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Monday, 6 January 2025
Parashar aims to shine in ILT20, confident of Vipers' playoff chances
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Gambhir should say 'jo cricket ko izzat nahi dega, ta-ta bye bye'
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'Rohit Sharma's hunger should show in his actions'
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Sunday, 5 January 2025
Need such wickets to keep Test cricket alive: Gautam Gambhir
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How Team India's decade of dominance ended against Australia
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'Pakistan ko hara denge': But ex-cricketer wants India to build a Test team
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Saturday, 4 January 2025
'All went nuts': When Sachin's fan following stunned Starc
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Live Cricket Score: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI
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Friday, 3 January 2025
Astronomers Seek Binary Supermassive Black Holes in Galactic Centers
Supermassive black holes are believed to exist at the centre of most galaxies, including our Milky Way. However, in certain cases, two such black holes are thought to orbit one another, forming binary systems. These gravitationally bound pairs could provide significant insights into the dynamics of galaxy formation and the behaviour of space-time. Detecting them, however, presents challenges due to their nature, as they cannot be observed directly using traditional telescopes.
Gravitational Waves and Galactic Collisions
According to research, as reported by The Conversation, binary black holes can form when galaxies merge. During such collisions, the black holes from the merging galaxies are brought closer by gravitational forces. Eventually, they may create a binary system before combining into one larger black hole over millions of years.
These systems emit gravitational waves, ripples in space-time predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity. Observatories like the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) detect these waves, though pinpointing individual binaries remains elusive.
Evidence from Active Galactic Nuclei
Researchers have identified a potential binary black hole system in an active galaxy, PG 1553+153, as reported by The Conversation. Observations have revealed periodic light variations approximately every 2.2 years, which could indicate the presence of two orbiting black holes.
Active galactic nuclei, which emit immense energy due to gas accretion, often display such cyclical patterns. These patterns, however, might also result from other phenomena like jet wobbles, requiring further investigation.
Historical Data and Findings
As reported by The Conversation, they used archival data spanning over a century, a secondary 20-year light variation pattern was identified in PG 1553+153. This additional evidence supports the binary black hole hypothesis, suggesting the system includes two black holes with masses in a 2.5:1 ratio. Final confirmation, however, may depend on advancements in pulsar timing arrays to detect specific gravitational waves.
The study highlights how historical data and modern simulations contribute to understanding complex cosmic events. The findings advance knowledge of galactic evolution and black hole behaviour, with future technological improvements expected to refine these discoveries.
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Bird-Inspired Wing Design Could Boost Performance of Aeroplanes, Claims Study
The flight dynamics of birds have inspired researchers to explore innovative enhancements for aeroplane wings. Featherlike flaps, designed to resemble the covert feathers seen on bird wings, have demonstrated the potential to improve lift, reduce drag, and prevent stalls. These advancements, inspired by avian flight mechanisms, aim to enhance the efficiency and safety of aircraft, particularly during challenging manoeuvres such as landings or flights through turbulent conditions. The findings suggest promising applications for both commercial and specialised aviation.
Findings from Recent Research
According to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, lightweight flaps mimicking covert feathers were tested on model airplane wings in a wind tunnel. It was observed that these flaps improved airflow around the wings, resulting in a significant increase in lift by up to 45 percent and a reduction in drag by 31 percent.
Unlike conventional wing flaps operated manually by pilots, these bird-inspired components automatically adjust when the wings encounter a high angle of attack, a situation often associated with sudden loss of lift.
Insights from Experts
Aimy Wissa, an engineer at Princeton University, told Science News Explores that the design of these flaps does not rely on mechanical controls but rather responds naturally to aerodynamic conditions. Multiple rows of flaps positioned across the wing, not limited to its front or rear, contributed to enhanced lift by maintaining a steady airflow and blocking high-pressure air from disrupting lift production at critical points.
Applications for Aircraft Stability
Testing on remote-controlled aircraft revealed improved flight stability, particularly under gusty weather or during operations on short runways. Researchers have highlighted the potential of this design to address challenges in aviation, where precise control and efficiency are critical as per the publication.
By adapting concepts from bird flight, engineers aim to develop planes capable of smoother, more reliable performance in demanding scenarios. These developments underscore the potential for bio-inspired innovations in advancing aviation technology.
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