The inked mummies

For over five thousand years tattoos have served as markers of identity status and spirituality A groundbreaking study has unveiled intricate tattoos on mummies for Perursquos Chancay culture dating back to 1250 AD The researchers examined around 100 mummies from the civilisation that flourished before the Inca Empire and the arrival of EuropeansResearchers reveal fine details in tattoos dating to around 1250 AD that arenrsquot visible to the naked eye PicsAPUsing advanced laser techniques that turn the preserved skin of the mummies into a light bulb researchers have uncovered geometric patterns such as triangles and diamonds etched on hands and forearmsmdashdetails however invisible to the naked eye This noninvasive approach preserves fragile archaeological materials while shedding light on the artistic sophistication of preInca civilisationsIt wasnrsquot clear exactly how the tattoos were created but it is certain to the researchers that they are of a quality that stands up against the really good electric tattooing of today Tattoos once considered fleeting now stand as enduring symbols of personal and cultural narrativesFrom the Neolithic Alps to ancient Egypt and Peru these permanent marks echo humanityrsquos timeless connection to body art as a form of expression ritual and identity This study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences underscores the potential of modern technology to unlock the hidden stories of our ancestorsDarth Vader of the deep seasGiant isopods are reserved as a delicacy in Vietnam right B varderi resembles Star Wars character Darth Vaderrsquos helmet PICSNY POSTA new sea bug species Bathynomus vaderi also known as B varderi has surfaced from the depths near Vietnam This 128inch 1kg isopodmdashresembling Star Wars character Darth Vaderrsquos helmetmdashwas identified by researchers after being purchased at a seafood market Dwelling in the South China Sea this supergiant carnivore feeds on crustaceans fish and even whale carcasses Revered as a delicacy in Vietnam giant isopods like B vaderi are sold for steep prices at fish markets and restaurants Researchers believe that their commercial value could either threaten the specieTimotheersquos ldquocostlyrdquo ecoridePICGETTY IMAGESTimothee Chalamet turned heads at the London premiere of A Complete Unknown by arriving on a Lime ebike instead of a chauffeured car ldquoThere was a traffic jamrdquo said Chalametmdashhis reason for choosing to take an lsquoecologicalrsquo bike instead of a chauffeured car However his attempt to go green earned him a R57k fine for parking in a restricted area at BFI SouthbankWaterproof workwearPICNY POSTDavid Lloyd Clubs unveiled an innovative waterproof suit collection allowing wearers to move seamlessly from desk to pool and back Made from hydrophobic fabric the ldquoSwim Suitrdquo aims to help hybrid workers prioritise fitness A spokesperson highlighted the rising trend of wellness breaks at work emphasising how the suits could bridge fitness and productivityPierced and stuckAn Indonesian womanrsquos fresh nose piercing got caught in her office chairrsquos mesh When colleagues failed to get her out of her misery firefighters came to the rescue and wheeled her to their station where they finally freed her after an excruciating 10 minutesThe bear farmersFrustrated by relentless monkey invasions farmers in Uttar Pradesh have taken a creative approach dressing up as bears to protect their crops Villagers pooled funds for the costume which farmers wear in shifts to patrol mustard wheat and sugarcane fieldsThe Pitt scamBelieving she was in a longdistance relationship with Brad Pitt a French interior decorator was duped into paying over R73 crore The scammer using AIgenerated photos preyed on her Only after seeing Pitt in a public relationship did she realise the cruel hoax