Discovery News

Hardened arteries found in mummies

history and cultures#topic

Scientists have discovered evidence of hardened arteries in 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummies, suggesting that heart disease and stroke may have been a major health danger at the time.

Although typically associated with modern western lifestyles, heart disease and similar issues seem to have been a problem among high-ranking Egyptians as well.

Research started after it was noticed that an inscription on the mummy of Pharaoh Merenptah, housed in Cairo's Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, indicated he was afflicted by diseased arteries, arthritis and dental decay when he died aged 60 in 1203 BC.

Indus-Like Symbols in South India

history and cultures#topic

A rock engraving depicting a symbol commonly associated with the Indus Valley civilisation which flourished in the north-western region of the Indian sub-continent has been found in southern India.

The engraving, which depicts a man with a jar, was discovered recently in the Edakkal caves in the Wayanad district of Kerala.

Historian M R Raghava Varrier, who identified the symbol during excavation by the state's Archaeological Department, told The Hindu newspaper: "What is striking in the Edakkal sign is the presence of an Indus motif, which is rare."

Hymn book donated to university

history and cultures#topic

An ancient hymn book printed by the `Father of Fleet Street` has been donated to Manchester University.

The 500-year-old book was printed in 1502 by Wynkyn de Worde - who established the first printing press in Fleet Street.

The priceless book, one of only three known copies, has been donated to the John Rylands University Library after there were fears of its condition deteriorating at St Mary's Church in Nantwich, Cheshire, where it was kept for years.

US Declaration found in Kew archives

history and cultures#topic

An American bookseller carrying out research at the National Archives in Kew has uncovered a rare copy of the United States Declaration of Independence.

The Dunlap print has been kept in perfect condition in the archive and becomes one of only 26 known surviving copies of the seminal document in the world.

News `treasure trove` resurrected

history and cultures#topic

A comprehensive archive of some 20,000 film cans containing 3,500 hours of international news from the 1960s and 1970s has been unearthed from former US President Dwight D Eisenhower's wartime bunker in central London.

The "treasure trove" of footage contains never-before-seen images of seminal moments from the period, such as coverage of a young Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro and Richard Nixon as well as footage from Vietnam and Elizabeth Taylor's 40th birthday party.

Vintage police equipment on display

history and cultures#topic

Scotland Yard's vintage uniforms, equipment and maps are being exhibited by the Met Collection.

Around 15,000 pieces dating back to 1829 will be rotated by the new heritage centre, in west London.

Centuries-old journalism now online

investigation and crime#topic

Amateur historians can see how the press covered such events as Jack the Ripper's reign of terror after two million pages of 19th century newspapers were placed online.

The new service from the British Library will also illuminate such historic happenings as the Battle of Trafalgar or the very first FA Cup final.