In the city of Çatal-Huyük, which was founded about 9 thousand years ago on the territory of modern Turkey, archaeologists have discovered fossilized pieces of cloth.
Before that, the experts believed that the inhabitants of the country used wool or flax for the production of cloth. The study shows that the material has a very different structure, writes Phys.org.
Excavations in the ancient city ended in 2017. Archaeologists then discovered a few more pieces of ancient material. As a result, the scientists found that their age is approximately 8500-8700 years.
The research on the fabrics was commissioned by Lisa Bender Jorgensen, who works at the University of Norway, and Antoinette Rac Eicher of the University of Bern. To create clothes for themselves almost 9 thousand years ago, representatives of the Neolithic used a special fiber. This is the result shown by the analysis of the material performed by experts.
These samples, found at the site of the excavations, were made from the fiber of the oak. It is believed to indicate that this fabric is the oldest in the world that has survived to this day.
The fiber is found in trees such as oak, willow and linden between the wood and the bark. The wood was used to build houses, and the fibers were used to make clothes, which were quite strong and reliable.
The researchers also add that the natives did not grow flax and did not bring linen materials from other cities. They used only those resources that were at hand.
Traditionally, the publisher of the Oxford English Dictionary designates a word or expression that has had an impact on the past year, has the potential to acquire lasting cultural significance, or is a snapshot of the development of societies.
And this year the word is… rizz.
It is widely used online to describe style, charisma, attractiveness, and someone’s ability to attract or seduce another person.
“The word is short for ‘charisma’. It is an interesting example of how language is formed, modified and shared in communities before it becomes widely popular. And how younger generations create spaces – online or live – where they own and define the language they use,” said an announcement at Oxford University Press.
Scientists predict that more and more words from social media and the Internet will enter our everyday language.
The word became extremely popular in June after actor Tom Holland was asked in an interview about the secret of his rizz, to which he replied that he had no rizz.
Word of the year according to Oxford beat out Swiftie – a word used to describe fans of another celebrity – Taylor Swift. The other finalists were situationship, meaning an informal romantic or sexual relationship, and prompt, an instruction given to an artificial intelligence program.
The four words were chosen by public vote.
In 2022, the word of the year was goblin mode – an unusual pattern of behavior that rejects societal norms and expectations.
All the world’s pandas belong to China, but Beijing has been leasing animals to foreign countries since 1984.
Three giant pandas from the Washington Zoo will return to China as scheduled last December, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning told a briefing.
She was asked if the move was a reflection of the deteriorating relationship between the US and China under so-called panda diplomacy.
“Giant pandas are not only China’s national treasure, but they are also welcomed and loved by people all over the world, and can be said to be ambassadors and bridges of friendship.” <…> We are ready to continue working with partners, including the United States, to strengthen cooperation in the field of endangered species protection,” Mao Ning said.
Zoos in Atlanta, San Diego and Memphis have either already transferred their pandas back or will do so by the end of next year, according to Bloomberg. That way, all the pandas will leave the US.
In April, Beijing took Ya Ya the panda from the Memphis Zoo, which was sent to the United States as a friendship ambassador in 2003.
The zoo announced in December 2022 that it would return Ya Ya to China, ending 20 years of collaborative research.
In February, experts in China discovered that she had a skin disease that caused hair loss, but the panda’s general health was normal.
All the world’s pandas belong to China, but Beijing has been leasing animals to foreign countries since 1984.
This tool of public diplomacy used by China to improve relations with foreign countries is called panda diplomacy.
Among the non-political reasons for the pandas’ return is that the pandas are reaching the age at which they must return to China: the departure of some animals had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the agency noted.
In addition, in 2021, the Chinese authorities lowered the conservation status of pandas from “endangered” to “vulnerable”, as their population in the wild began to recover and reached 1.8 thousand individuals.
China is already creating its own network of national parks that may no longer require sending animals abroad for breeding and conservation, the article said.
A Bloomberg source familiar with US President Joe Biden’s administration’s findings on the matter said Washington plans to discuss the panda lease with Beijing before the animals from the Washington Zoo travel to China.
Liu Pengu, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, said the two countries were “discussing future cooperation in the field of giant panda conservation and research.”
Asked about the prospects for further negotiations, a State Department spokesman told the agency that the panda agreement was not between governments, but between the National Zoo and the China Wildlife Conservation Association.
He emphasized that the cooperation so far is a “gesture of goodwill on both sides”.
Pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian came to the Washington Zoo in 2000 as part of an agreement between the zoo and the China Wildlife Association.
The pair was supposed to stay for ten years for a research and breeding program, but the agreement with China was extended several times.
On August 21, 2020, the couple gave birth to a male cub named Xiao Qi Ji, and the same year the zoo announced that it had signed another three-year extension to keep all three pandas until the end of 2023.
Illustrative Photo by Diana Silaraja: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-panda-and-cub-playing-1661535/
Iran says it has sent a capsule of animals into orbit as it prepares for manned missions in the coming years, the Associated Press reported, cited by BTA.
Telecommunications Minister Isa Zarepour announced that the capsule was launched at an altitude of 130 km. He did not specify what animals were in the capsule, but added that it weighed 500 kilograms.
It is also not clear whether there are life support systems on board and whether the device is planned to be landed back on Earth. This is not Iran’s first such “space news”.
In September, Tehran announced it had launched a data-gathering satellite into space. In 2013, Iran reported that it had sent a monkey into orbit and successfully brought it back.
There is no word on whether Tehran is actually developing a spacecraft for astronauts. According to Western experts, the tests, disguised as civilians, were tests of new ballistic missiles.
The situation for Gazans is “getting worse by the hour”, the UN health agency WHO said on Tuesday, after some of the heaviest Israeli shelling in the enclave since Hamas militants massacred some 1,200 people in southern Israel and took around 240 hostages on 7 October.
Speaking from the southern city of Rafah, Dr. Rick Peeperkorn, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, described further bloodshed after the resumption of Israeli bombing last Friday.
“The situation is getting worse by the hour,” Dr. Peeperkorn told journalists in Geneva via video link. “I mean…there’s intensified bombing going on all around and including here in the southern areas, Khan Younis and even in Rafah.”
The army is telling people to leave Eastern Khan Younis and instructing people in the core of the city that this area is now a “dangerous fighting zone”
They tell people to move to Rafah to receive assistance – but we are not able to provide for 100Ks of new IDP #Gaza@UNRWA
The WHO medic noted that in the last couple of days there had also been “a vastly increasing number” of internally displaced people travelling from the Middle area “and even now the southern areas”, fearing for their lives.
Echoing those concerns, UN Children’s Fund spokesperson James Elder cited international humanitarian law that obliges militaries to “take all feasible measures” to protect civilians. It was not acceptable to unilaterally declare that they should go to “so-called safe zones”, he insisted, when these were in fact “sidewalks” or “half-built buildings” without water, shelter or sanitation.
“It’s not a safe zone if it’s only free from bombardment, as some zones have not been,” Mr. Elder said.
Deadly toll
The humanitarian update came as the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, reported that between the afternoon of 3 December and the afternoon of 4 December at least 349 Palestinians were killed and 750 injured, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza.
Three Israeli soldiers were also killed, according to Israeli sources, OCHA said in its latest emergency update.
According to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNWRA, nearly 1.9 million people – more than 85 per cent of the population in Gaza – have been displaced across the Strip since 7 October.
Almost 1.2 million internally displaced persons have found shelter in 156 UNRWA installations across all five governorates of the Gaza Strip, including the North and Gaza City, the UN agency said.
It also confirmed that at least 19 additional colleagues had been killed during airstrikes, bringing the total to 130 since 7 October. “We are also in danger as we walk,” UNWRA said, quoting one of its counsellors, named only as Jehan. “Our lives are at a standstill…There is the smell of death here. But we’re determined to live.”
Aid lifeline
Health authorities in Gaza estimate that at least 15,523 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in the latest escalation, with 70 per cent believed to be women and children. “Many more are missing, presumably under the rubble, waiting for rescue or recovery,” UNRWA said.
Amid desperate shortages of all humanitarian supplies, OCHA reported that on Sunday, some 100 aid trucks reached the enclave, along with 69,000 litres of fuel. The same quantities reached Gaza on Saturday, the UN aid office said, noting that this was still “well below” the daily average of 170 trucks and 110,000 litres of fuel delivered during the pause in fighting from 24 and 30 November.
“It’s too little, it’s way too little,” said WHO’s Dr. Peeperkorn, who said that amid the “increasing disaster” of Gaza, more medicine, food, water and fuel were needed.
Describing Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure as “crippled” with “hardly any functional health facility in the north” apart from Al-Ahli hospital which was inundated with multiple trauma cases and a lack of supplies, the WHO official expressed deep concern that the same desperate scenes could be repeated in the south.
Desperation intensifies for Gazans amid uncertainty of ‘safe zones’ 2
Patients’ plight
From a capacity of 3,500 beds before the 7 October escalation, the enclave now has only 1,500, he explained.
“If you look around, there’s hardly any hospital there left (in the north). So, we’ve seen what happened in northern Gaza and of course we are deeply concerned that this cannot be – this should not be – a blueprint for the south.”
The WHO official also confirmed that medical supplies had been moved from two warehouses from Khan Younis to Rafah on Sunday. This followed advice that the storage facilities were “in an area where the population was told to evacuate and would most likely become an area of active combat in the coming days”, he explained.
The birth rate in the country has fallen colossally
Kim Jong Un was filmed crying as he urged women in North Korea to have more children and raise them to love the authoritarian state.
The North Korean leader was seen wiping his eyes with a white handkerchief as he addressed thousands of women gathered at a national meeting of mothers in Pyongyang.
Many in the audience wept with him during the carefully choreographed event, the first of its kind to be held in 11 years amid growing concerns about falling birthrates in the shuttered country.
“Stopping the decline in the birth rate and providing good care and education for the children are all our family affairs that we must solve together with our mothers,” said Kim, who is rumored to have three children.
While North Korea has released few details about its population trends, the South Korean government estimates that the birth rate has fallen steadily over the past decade, which would alarm a regime heavily dependent on manual labor and military service.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry said Kim’s address marked the first time he had publicly acknowledged a decline in his country’s birthrate.
According to the UN Population Fund and the World Bank, the North’s fertility rate hovers around 1.79-1.8 children per woman as of 2020.
It fell from 4.05 in the late 1960s to below 2.1 by the late 1990s, following birth control programs in the 1970s and 1980s to slow postwar population growth and the great famine of the mid-1990s, which is believed to have killed hundreds of thousands of people.
However, the birth rate still remains more than twice that of rapidly aging South Korea, which hit a record low of 0.78 last year.
According to reports in North Korea’s state media, this year the country introduced a range of benefits for families with three or more children, including preferential free housing, government subsidies, free food, medicine and household goods, and educational privileges for children.
Kim reminded the mothers that their “primary revolutionary task” was to instill “socialist virtues” in their offspring and instill loyalty to the ruling party during his address.
“Unless a mother becomes a communist, it is impossible for her to raise her sons and daughters as communists and turn her family members into revolutionaries,” he was quoted as saying by the state-run KCNA news channel.
The North Korean leader also warned parents to remove foreign influence on young minds, instructing them to send their children to perform hard labor for the state to correct bad behavior that was not “our style”.
Kim’s emotional address wasn’t the first time he’s openly shed tears in public.
In 2020, he wept as he offered a rare apology for failing to lead the shuttered country through turbulent economic times at the start of the pandemic.
Earlier this year, his eyes filled with tears at a military parade in July to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War that divided the peninsula.
Membership of the Belarusian Red Cross in the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has been suspended since December 1, the organization’s press service reported.
This decision is due to the fact that the Belarusian organization did not comply with the request to remove General Secretary Dmitry Shevtsov from his post. The federation requested this after his statements on nuclear weapons, in connection with the relocation of Ukrainian children to Belarus, as well as his trips to Donetsk and Luhansk. We remind you that an arrest warrant was issued by the International Criminal Court for the Russian President Vladimir Putin and the children’s ombudsman of the Russian Federation Maria Lvova-Belova precisely because of the illegal deportation of children and the illegal transfer of people from the territory of Ukraine to the Russian Federation.
An urgent request to remove General Secretary Shevtsov from his post was sent to Belarus in early October.
“The suspension means that the Belarusian Red Cross loses its rights as a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies,” the press service said.
Photo by Jan van der Wolf: https://www.pexels.com/photo/no-stopping-signage-14312001/
Over the years, the reign of Mohammed VI was distinguished by notable achievements, demonstrating a strategic vision and a commitment to Morocco’s progress. However, these advances are all the more remarkable given the ongoing challenges within the government and the unaddressed demands of the people.
1) Visionary Diplomacy: King Mohammed VI succeeded in redefining Moroccan diplomacy by expanding international partnerships, opening new horizons despite political challenges.
2) Conflict Resolution: American recognition of the Moroccan nature of the Sahara testifies to the diplomatic success of the king, even in the face of complex political issues.
3) Regional Power: Morocco’s effective security policies, despite government inaction, have strengthened its position as a stabilizing regional power.
4) Resurrected Economic Growth: The launch of the Mohammed VI Investment Fund has stimulated economic growth, demonstrating the capacity to generate positive initiatives despite government inertia.
5) Strengthened Social Protection: The proactive response to the social impacts of the pandemic shows increased attention to social needs, even in the absence of significant government action.
6) Education and Social Development: Major educational initiatives highlight the royal commitment to social development, compensating for government shortcomings.
7) Active Social Dialogue: Faced with unresolved demands, the king maintained an active social dialogue, emphasizing his attentive listening to the people, in contrast to government inaction.
Call for Government Change: However, the inaction of the current government, led by Aziz Akhannouch, has sparked growing concerns. If immediate changes are not made, a popular anti-Akhannouch revolution appears imminent, jeopardizing the country’s political stability. The king must act quickly by revising his government to meet citizen expectations and avoid a major political crisis.
Picturesque walks and strolls in Mechelen: an immersion in nature
Mechelen is a charming city located in Belgium, known for its rich historical and artistic heritage. However, it is not only in museums and historical buildings that you can discover the beauty of this city. Mechelen is also full of beautiful natural places where you can walk and immerse yourself in nature.
One of the most popular walks in Mechelen is the walk along the banks of the Dyle. The Dyle is a river that runs through the city and offers superb landscapes throughout its course. You can stroll along the banks, admire the beautiful bridges that span the river and enjoy the tranquility of this place. The banks of the Dyle are also lined with majestic trees, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. It is the ideal place for a romantic walk or a relaxing break surrounded by nature.
Another popular walk in Mechelen is the walk in Tivoli Park. This park is a true haven of peace, offering vast expanses of green grass, century-old trees and magnificent flowers. You can stroll along the shaded paths, breathe the fresh air and enjoy the beauty of nature around you. Tivoli Park also has several ponds where many birds and other wildlife live. It’s a great place for photography enthusiasts to capture stunning shots of the local flora and fauna.
If you prefer longer walks, you can venture into the surrounding countryside of Mechelen. The region is dotted with hiking trails that will allow you to discover breathtaking landscapes. You can walk through green fields, lush forests and small picturesque villages. The trails are well maintained and marked, making navigation easy and allowing you to focus solely on the beauty of the scenery around you.
Another interesting option for nature lovers is visiting the Mechelen Botanical Gardens. These gardens are a true paradise for plant and flower lovers. You can stroll through the different sections of the garden, admire the varieties of exotic plants and enjoy the calm and serenity of this place. The Mechelen Botanical Gardens are also a place of learning, where you can learn about the local flora and fauna through information panels and guided tours.
Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to walk around the city center of Mechelen. Although the city is mainly known for its historical heritage, it is also full of parks and small gardens where you can relax and enjoy nature right in the heart of the city. You can sit on a bench, read a book or simply admire the flowers and trees that adorn these green spaces. These little corners of paradise will offer you a well-deserved break during your exploration of the city.
In conclusion, if you are looking for an immersion in nature during your visit to Mechelen, you will not be disappointed. Scenic walks and walks in Mechelen will allow you to discover the natural beauty of this town, whether along the banks of the Dyle, in the green parks or in the surrounding countryside. So don’t hesitate to put on your walking shoes and set off to explore these magnificent natural spaces.
All the world’s pandas belong to China, but Beijing has been leasing animals to foreign countries since 1984.
Three giant pandas from the Washington Zoo will return to China as scheduled last December, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning told.
She was asked if the move was a reflection of the deteriorating relationship between the US and China under so-called panda diplomacy.
“Giant pandas are not only China’s national treasure, but they are also welcomed and loved by people all over the world, and can be said to be ambassadors and bridges of friendship.” <…> We are ready to continue working with partners, including the United States, to strengthen cooperation in the field of endangered species protection,” Mao Ning said.
Zoos in Atlanta, San Diego and Memphis have either already transferred their pandas back or will do so by the end of next year, according to Bloomberg. That way, all the pandas will leave the US.
In April, Beijing took Ya Ya the panda from the Memphis Zoo, which was sent to the United States as a friendship ambassador in 2003.
The zoo announced in December 2022 that it would return Ya Ya to China, ending 20 years of collaborative research.
In February, experts in China discovered that she had a skin disease that caused hair loss, but the panda’s general health was normal.
All the world’s pandas belong to China, but Beijing has been leasing animals to foreign countries since 1984.
This tool of public diplomacy used by China to improve relations with foreign countries is called panda diplomacy.
Among the non-political reasons for the pandas’ return is that the pandas are reaching the age at which they must return to China: the departure of some animals had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the agency noted.
In addition, in 2021, the Chinese authorities lowered the conservation status of pandas from “endangered” to “vulnerable”, as their population in the wild began to recover and reached 1.8 thousand individuals.
China is already creating its own network of national parks that may no longer require sending animals abroad for breeding and conservation, the article said.
A Bloomberg source familiar with US President Joe Biden’s administration’s findings on the matter said Washington plans to discuss the panda lease with Beijing before the animals from the Washington Zoo travel to China.
Liu Pengu, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, said the two countries were “discussing future cooperation in the field of giant panda conservation and research.”
Asked about the prospects for further negotiations, a State Department spokesman told the agency that the panda agreement was not between governments, but between the National Zoo and the China Wildlife Conservation Association.
He emphasized that the cooperation so far is a “gesture of goodwill on both sides”.
Pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian came to the Washington Zoo in 2000 as part of an agreement between the zoo and the China Wildlife Association.
The pair was supposed to stay for ten years for a research and breeding program, but the agreement with China was extended several times.
On August 21, 2020, the couple gave birth to a male cub named Xiao Qi Ji, and the same year the zoo announced that it had signed another three-year extension to keep all three pandas until the end of 2023.
Illustrative Photo by Diana Silaraja: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-panda-and-cub-playing-1661535/
