New Fossil Seal Species Rewrites History

An international team of biologists, led by Monash University, has discovered a new species of extinct monk seal from the Southern Hemisphere — describing it as the biggest breakthrough in seal evolution in 70 years. The discovery, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society, radically changes scientists’ understanding of how seal species evolved around the world. ...

Troy Oakes

An artist’s impression of Eomonachus belegaerensis.

Rice Porridge Is the Best Tonic

Ancient people of the East frequently praised rice porridge, also known as congee, as the best food for humans to eat. Whether for convalescence after illness or everyday health care, the simple and inexpensive dish is an easy food therapy that anyone can afford to prepare and eat in order to maintain or develop good health.  White rice can ...

Nspirement Staff

A bowl of congee.

Population Dynamics and the Formation of the Central Asian Empires

In a new study published in the journal Cell, an international research team has investigated the genetic, sociopolitical, and cultural changes that accompanied the emergence of the Central Asian empires. The team analyzed genome-wide data from 214 East Eurasian individuals spanning six millennia and discussed the changes in population and material culture that preceded the ...

Troy Oakes

A leaning Deer Stone placed in front of dozens of small stone mounds containing ritually-sacrificed horse burials at the Bronze Age monument site of Ikh Tsagaanii Am, Bayankhongor Province, central Mongolia. (Credit: William Taylor)

The Many Medicinal Uses of Ginger

Ginger is the root of the perennial plant Zingiber officinale. People have known about the medicinal uses of ginger as a herbal remedy for centuries to treat many conditions, from arthritis to abdominal pain. People often still use ginger today when they have a cough or cold. Scientific research shows the medicinal uses of ginger can ...

Emma Lu

Fresh ginger.

Mars Plays Shepherd to Our Moon’s Long-Lost Twin

An international team of planetary scientists, led by astronomers at AOP, have found an asteroid trailing behind Mars with a composition very similar to the Moon’s. The asteroid could be an ancient piece of debris, dating back to the gigantic impacts that formed the Moon and the other rocky planets in our solar system like ...

Troy Oakes

The Moon and Mars at night over a field.

Why Peru’s Machu Picchu Opened Amidst COVID-19 for One Single Tourist

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, Peru, like all other nations, has been under strict travel restrictions. Tourist sites like Machu Picchu were also closed to visitors. However, the government of Peru opened Machu Picchu for a single tourist recently. Why? Read on to find out. Open for Katayama Jesse Katayama arrived in Peru ...

Raven Montmorency

An aerial view of Machu Picchu.

How Zhuge Liang’s Feather Fan Was Made

The ancient book Three Kingdoms by Sanguo Yanyi (三國演義) depicts the periods of the Three Kingdoms, where Zhuge Liang is pictured as the commander swaying a feather fan. Zhuge Liang was a Chinese politician, military strategist, writer, engineer, and inventor. He served as the chancellor and regent of the state of Shu Han during the ...

Emma Lu

A feather fan.

The Health Benefits of Tiptoeing

Tiptoeing (standing on your tiptoes) might seem like an inconspicuous movement, but it is an ancient way of maintaining good health. Middle-aged and older people may discover unexpected benefits if they practice tiptoeing on a daily basis. Improved kidney function The health of one’s kidneys is the foundation of good health. Healthy kidneys maintain a ...

Raven Montmorency

Standing on tiptoes.

The Legend of Chinese Lanterns

Chinese lanterns, also called colored lanterns, originated in China approximately 1,800 years ago during the Western Han Dynasty. Every year, during the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, people hang up red lanterns to create a festive atmosphere because lanterns are a symbol of reunion. Since the Western ...

Raven Montmorency

Chinese lanterns.

12 Health Tips From the Father of Chinese Medicine, Sun Simiao

Sun Simiao (A.D. 581-682), a famous Chinese physician in the Tang Dynasty, passed down 12 health tips. The tips are simple and easy to do. If you practice them consistently, they can improve your health and promote longevity.  12 health tips of Sun Simiao 1. Head twist Place your hands on your waist, close your ...

Nspirement Staff

Sun Simiao.