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A massive gold deposit—the largest ever found—has shaken the precious metals industry. After all, it's a monumental discovery. But it also challenges gold's status as the ultimate store of value. At the same time, Bitcoin—often called “digital gold”—is strengthening its position as the world's hardest asset. So, what does it mean for Bitcoin and for gold? Well, let's find out! “Supergiant” Gold Deposit, Diluting the Value The discovery of the massive gold deposit was made last month in China's Hunan Province and was reported by the Chinese State Media. Interestingly, China is already the world's largest gold producer, with its gold reserves estimated to be over 2,000 tons as of this year. The world's second-largest economy also accounted for around 10% of global output last year. According to the report, geologists found several gold veins in the Wangu gold field. Found 2,000 meters (2 km) deep in the field, they contained a reserve of 300 tonnes of precious metal. The exciting part is what was found even deeper. The gold reserves at the site are estimated to be massive 1,000 tonnes within a depth of 3,000 meters. “Many drilled rock cores showed visible gold.” – Chen Rulin, an expert at the Geological Bureau of Hunan Province He further shared that a tonne of ore in this range contained as much as 138 grams of gold. The value of the newly discovered deposit is 600 billion yuan or approximately $83 billion. So, it makes sense to be concerned. If the new discovery ultimately proves to be true, which early examinations point to be potentially in billions of ounces, that would make it the largest gold deposit on Earth. The thing is, not all gold deposits can be categorized as supergiant. For one to be titled as such, the natural gold collection has to be formed under special conditions, which leads to concentrations that surpass those in typical mines. As such, the new gold deposits can have a significant impact on not only local economies but also global markets due to gold's crucial role as a stable asset and a hedge against financial uncertainty. Notably, this isn't even the first time such large deposits have been found. Time and again, we have come across discoveries that have unveiled new gold. In 2022, exploration surveys showed that Uganda had gold ore deposits of about 31 million tonnes, with a value of an eye-boggling $13 trillion. A Chinese gold mining company, Wagagai, has been granted the license to produce part of these gold deposits. In 2023, the country's gold exports also surged over 10 times from the previous year to $2.3 billion. Gold is not only being uncovered in countries, but it has also been found in asteroids. The reports first came in 2019 of asteroid 16 Psyche containing as much as $700 quintillion worth of gold. For context, 1 quintillion has 18 zeros; yeah, you read it right. So, what does it mean for gold? Well, simple economics says that if supply increases while demand remains constant, it leads to a drop in prices. That means gold isn't really the hard asset as we have known it to be all this time. Is Gold's Status in Danger? First, let's get into some introductory economics, which is the fundamental principles of economics — the law of demand and supply. So, there is an inverse relationship between demand and price while a direct relationship between supply and price. What this means is when the demand increases without a change in supply, the price of an asset increases as more people want to buy it, but there's only a particular amount of it available in the market. Now, if the reverse happens, i.e., the supply increases, which means there is now more of a particular asset in the market while demand is the same, then it negatively affects the prices. When demand matches supply, the price is in equilibrium, which is acceptable to both buyers and sellers. What about when both the demand and supply increases? Well, then, the equilibrium price remains the same. Now that you know the economics behind the demand and supply, you can understand why there's always so much discussion surrounding these new gold deposit discoveries. Source: World Gold Council We all have known gold to be a finite resource, which means there's only a certain amount of it on our planet, and even that is harder to find. Data suggests that so far, about 212,582 tonnes of gold has been mined throughout history. Interestingly, only two-thirds of it has been mined in the last about 74 years. However, as we slowly come to realize, gold is not as finite of a resource as we all knew it to be. As gold deposits of great magnitude are being uncovered , it potentially puts a question mark on gold's status as a hard asset. The Hardest Asset on Earth is Bitcoin While gold deals with the discovery of new deposits, digital gold enjoys price discovery as it captures the attention of people, corporations, and even nation-states. The reason for Bitcoin's growing popularity is clear: All these are qualities that gold simply can't match. No doubt, gold has been prized for millennia. But this discovery exposes one of its key flaws: its scarcity is unreliable. New finds—especially of such a large scale—can rewrite perceptions of rarity and value. Bitcoin avoids this problem entirely. Its supply is hard-capped at 21 million coins. So, there are no surprises, no technological advancements, no sudden “discoveries.” Its absolute scarcity is built into its very code right from the very beginning. Then there's the cost of gold. Extracting it is expensive, slow, and complex. Mining remote deposits require years of work, massive energy inputs, and environmental sacrifice. Transporting and refining it adds further burdens. Bitcoin side steps these limitations. While Bitcoin is energy-intensive to mine, it exists purely as a digital asset. There is no physical extraction, no need for transport, and no storage headaches. There is also no ecological footprint on the scale of traditional mining. Verification is another dividing line. Confirming a gold deposit's size and quality takes time. Bitcoin, in contrast, runs on a public blockchain. As a result, its ownership, supply, and transactions are all verifiable in real time. Mobility poses another challenge, as gold is bulky by nature. As a result, moving it from one place to another can prove to be slow, expensive, and risky. It's also not easier to liquidate at the time of need, a problem that Bitcoin solves. Another sort of challenge that gold poses is geopolitical. Being a physical asset, there is a risk that it might face bans or restrictions and might even be confiscated by governments. There are no such issues with Bitcoin, as its inherent decentralization properties prevent any single party from exercising control over it. This record-breaking gold find might feel historic. But it also signals a shift. Gold is physical. Its scarcity is uncertain, and value is fragile, whereas Bitcoin is digital, and its supply is fixed with secure value. Bitcoin is fast positioning itself as digital gold, the hardest asset of this century. Click here to learn all about investing in Bitcoin (BTC). Bitcoin will Grow, But Gold is here to Stay Bitcoin, as we have been seeing over the last decade and a half, has come a long way. During this time, the Bitcoin network remained operational, having an uptime of 99.98% . Once a fringe asset, the battle-tested decentralized and permissionless BTC has given rise to a $4 trillion crypto industry. While Bitcoin has everyone in its thrall, this doesn't mean gold is doomed. Not at all, actually. Because no matter how much Bitcoin's prominence as a store of value grows in the coming days, gold will continue to play a crucial role for several reasons. The industry needs it. On the technological front, gold is essential—it's used in devices like smartphones, laptops, and medical equipment. The industry relies on gold because it doesn't corrode and is the best conductor. As tech usage grows, so will the demand for gold. Gold also plays a role in medicine. Gold nanoparticles are helping fight cancer, improve diagnostics, and deliver targeted treatments. Thanks to its biocompatibility, gold is also used in surgical tools and implants. And then there's aerospace. Satellites and spacecraft rely on gold for protection—it blocks radiation and withstands extreme heat. Without gold, modern space missions—and the global communications they enable—would fall apart. We can't forget about gold's use case as jewelry, either. After all, this use case of the yellow metal accounted for almost half, at 48.7%, amounting to 2,168 metric tons , of global gold demand in 2023. When it comes to using gold for jewelry, medals, and other decorative products, China and India are the ones who lead this consumption. But there's more. A prominent use case of gold is wealth protection. With a 23.2% share, investment is the second-most gold-demanding sector. In 2020, the year in which global markets crashed hard due to the COVID pandemic, gold's use as an investment actually surpassed jewelry. This isn't out of the ordinary, though; gold has long been a safe-haven asset that investors turn to during times of crisis, economic uncertainty, and political instability. Gold's investment thesis is driven by the fact that its value remains relatively consistent over time while other asset classes experience massive fluctuations. This lack of volatility in gold price may not make it particularly an attractive asset for investors, especially retail, as a way to grow wealth, but it certainly has a big role to play in wealth preservation. This is also the reason why central banks hold a significant amount of gold reserves that help them stabilize their own fiat currencies, diversify away from USD, and manage local economic uncertainties. The metal is also pretty liquid, which means it's easy to trade. So, as we can see, gold has several ongoing use cases, which should continue to drive demand for this traditional store of value, even if it is supplanted by Bitcoin in time. Click here to learn all about investing in gold. Gold or Bitcoin – Why not Both? Gold is old. It's the asset investors turn to when markets fall apart because it doesn't care about stocks, bonds, or tech crashes. For centuries, it's been the go-to safe haven. Compared to gold, Bitcoin can be seen as a wild card. It's new, volatile, and full of potential and is currently hogging all the limelight, as it smashed the $100K barrier to make a new ATH of $108,135, which is an increase of 56.52% from the 2021 peak. Gold has been making moves, too, due to rising geopolitical tension. At the time of writing, XAU/USD has been trading at $2,637.70 per ounce , not far from its $2,790 peak hit in October this year. At its current rate, the gold price is up 34.65% from its 2021 high. It's natural for investors to look for alternatives in times of uncertainty. Some might choose gold, and those who prioritize growth would opt for Bitcoin. However, there's a better way: choosing both gold and Bitcoin. While gold can act as a traditional way of protecting your wealth from inflation and as a hedge against geopolitical crises, Bitcoin can provide a modern twist to your portfolio, which not only protects your wealth from censorship but also helps it grow substantially. Up until now, people have been skeptical of adding Bitcoin to their portfolios, but that's not the case anymore. This is evident in the success of Spot Bitcoin ETFs, which has recorded $36.73 billion in total net inflow within a year, with the total net assets reaching $121.68 billion. Just recently, the largest asset manager, BlackRock, recommended investing as much as 2% of the portfolio in BTC. “We see a case for investors with suitable governance and risk tolerance to include Bitcoin in a multi-asset portfolio.” – A team of BlackRock executives said in a report This recommendation is supported by the trillion-dollar asset being uncorrelated with other major asset classes and offering a diversified source of return. It makes sense for investors to make BTC an integral part of their portfolios, as governments are taking this route. While so far, smaller nations like El Salvador and Bhutan are the only ones to take this approach, the upcoming US administration under President-elect Donald Trump may adopt Bitcoin as a reserve asset , too. Such a move would legalize Bitcoin and send it to the stratosphere. Investing Picks for Bitcoin and Gold Mining Now, let's take a look at the prominent names in both sectors that offer a lucrative investing opportunity. #1. Newmont Corporation ( NEM -3.22% ) This gold mining company, which operates mines across North and South America, Africa, and Australia, also produces copper, silver, zinc, and lead. With a market cap of $44.4 billion, NEM shares are currently trading at $39.02, down 5.54% year-to-date (YTD). The company pays a dividend yield of 2.57%. Newmont Corporation ( NEM -3.22% ) (function () { var script = document.createElement('script'); script.src = 'https://s3.tradingview.com/external-embedding/embed-widget-advanced-chart.js'; script.async = true; script.innerHTML = JSON.stringify({ 'autosize': true, 'width': '100%', 'height': '440', 'symbol': 'NYSE:NEM', 'range': 'YTD', 'timezone': 'Etc/UTC', 'theme': 'light', 'style': '3', 'locale': 'en', 'hide_top_toolbar': false, 'hide_legend': true, 'allow_symbol_change': false, 'save_image': false, 'calendar': false, 'hide_volume': true, 'withdateranges': true, 'support_host': 'https://www.tradingview.com' }); document.currentScript.parentNode.insertBefore(script, document.currentScript); })(); For Q3 2024, the company reported net income of $924 million and delivered 2.1 million gold equivalent ounces. Meanwhile, $1.6 billion of cash was generated from operating activities, while $760 million was in free cash flow. Newmont aims to deliver up to $1.5 billion in gross proceeds from its non-core divestment program. During this period, the company repurchased $198 million and authorized an additional $2 billion program that will be executed at the Company's discretion throughout the next two years. #2. Marathon Digital Holdings ( MARA -5.28% ) This Bitcoin mining company, which operates in North America, has a market cap of $7.7 billion as its shares trade at $23.93, which is up 1.92% YTD. It has an EPS (TTM) of 0.98 and a P/E (TTM) of 24.51. Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc. ( MARA -5.28% ) (function () { var script = document.createElement('script'); script.src = 'https://s3.tradingview.com/external-embedding/embed-widget-advanced-chart.js'; script.async = true; script.innerHTML = JSON.stringify({ 'autosize': true, 'width': '100%', 'height': '440', 'symbol': 'NASDAQ:MARA', 'range': 'YTD', 'timezone': 'Etc/UTC', 'theme': 'light', 'style': '3', 'locale': 'en', 'hide_top_toolbar': false, 'hide_legend': true, 'allow_symbol_change': false, 'save_image': false, 'calendar': false, 'hide_volume': true, 'withdateranges': true, 'support_host': 'https://www.tradingview.com' }); document.currentScript.parentNode.insertBefore(script, document.currentScript); })(); For the most recent quarter, Mara reported growing its energized hash rate to an ATH of 36.9 exahash after deploying 18,000 new miners, which further increased to 40.2 EH/s in Oct. During this period, the company also added 372 megawatts of mining capacity with an acquisition of a 222 MW site and securing greenfield site development of 150 MW. Mara mined 2,070 BTC during the quarter and purchased 6,210 BTC while no Bitcoin was sold . Overall, the company now holds 26,842 BTC on its balance sheet, which puts it as the 2nd biggest public company by BTC holdings after MicroStrategy. Other achievements reported by Bitcoin mining for Q3 of 2024 included submitting a climate-related disclosure report, being recognized by the World Energy Council as a finalist for Energy Technology of the Year, and as a Bitcoin Voter project co-founder playing “a significant role in advocating for pro-crypto candidates” in the US administration. Conclusion As we saw, digital gold, aka Bitcoin, is leading in terms of gaining the masses' attention and capital flow. The trillion-dollar asset, after all, is better suited for the modern world and its new risks. However, that's not to say that the traditional safe haven, gold, doesn't have a role to play in this new age of investment and innovation. After all, gold has survived centuries, and now, just like the yellow metal, Bitcoin has shown its resilience during its relatively short history. So, the best approach for any investor, regardless of their age and socio-economic background, is to make both gold and Bitcoin a part of their portfolio so that they have double the protection and wealth generation! Click here for a list of ten reasons to invest in Bitcoin.Hegseth meets with moderate Sen. Collins as he lobbies for key votes in the SenateQualcomm saw Nuvia buy as chance to save $1.4 billion a year on Arm fees, CEO tells juryDyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: A Closer Look at Symptoms, Diagnosis and Clinical Research Underway
FLYHT Receives Final Order Approval for the ArrangementRooted in the elaborate 20-day pre-Hispanic Mexica festival known as Panquetzaliztli, which celebrates the winter solstice rebirth of Aztec sun god Huitzilopochtli, Las Posadas commemorate Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe space for Mary to give birth to baby Jesus. Jesuit priests arriving in New Spain (Mexico) in 1523 to convert Indigenous people to Christianity appropriated these traditions and created the nine-day celebration (Dec. 16 to 24) we know today. Las Posadas festivities are primarily held in the U.S., Mexico, Central and South America with participants reenacting Mary and Joseph’s journey. Dressed as angels, shepherds, Mary and Joseph, actors and spectators carry candles and sing a version of “Canto para pedir posada” (“Carol to ask for shelter”) in a procession that concludes with festivities once the symbolic lodging is granted. In Los Angeles, Olvera Street hosts the city’s longest running event with nightly processions, champurrado and pan dulce. Lincoln Heights’ Plaza de la Raza hosts a posada-themed fundraiser benefiting their invaluable community programming and the Pico Rivera Sports Arena takes part in festivities with a charreada and music festival. Below, we’ve compiled eight Las Posadas celebrations taking place this year in the region. Olvera Street Since 1930, Olvera Street has hosted Las Posadas with nine nightly processions leading up to Christmas Eve. Festivities kick off in the plaza with a piñata for children before a procession starts at Avila Adobe. Attendees will then walk through the historic marketplace and experience a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Once a refuge for baby Jesus is found, a celebration ensues. Santa Ana-based band Rondalla del Sol perform their blend of bolero, ranchera, cumbia and tango, providing the sounds for the evening. Get there early for holiday shopping at one of the many Latino-owned shops and stalls. When: Dec. 16 to 24, 6:30 p.m. Where: La Placita Olvera , 5-11 Olvera St., Los Angeles, 90012 Admission: Free (213) 485-6855 Sacred Heart Church Lincoln Heights’ stunning gothic Sacred Heart Catholic Church is one of many parishes in L.A. celebrating Las Posadas with daily prayer at 6 p.m., from Dec. 16 until Dec. 23. Built in 1889, the church is one of the first parishes built in L.A. and is home to Northeast L.A.’s all-girls college prep Sacred Heart High School. Parishioners dressed as Mary and Joseph lead a procession stopping at potential refuges inside the church singing traditional songs to hesitant innkeepers. When lodging is granted, festivities ensue with prayers, scripture readings and a brief homily about Jesus’ birth. A communal feast and a star-shaped piñata symbolizing joy and the breaking of sins conclude their “Journey to Sacred Heart” posada event. When: Dec. 16 to 23, 6 p.m. Where: Sacred Heart Church , 2210 Sichel St., Los Angeles, 90031 Admission: Free Plaza de la Raza Support this historic multidisciplinary eastside arts center providing everything from folklorico and danza Azteca to mariachi and social justice theater at their end-of-year Posada Navideña fundraiser. Founded in 1970 by Mexican actor Margo Albert and union activist Frank Lopez, whose wife Ann Lopez sold her hand-knitted poncho for $36 to pay the initial nonprofit fee, Plaza de la Raza fosters emerging eastside artists. Sponsorship opportunities start at $1,000 and support scholarships, costumes and instruments. The festive posada includes food, drinks and entertainment benefiting affordable, culturally-relevant theater, dance, music and visual arts programming. When: Dec. 11, 6 to 9 p.m. Where: Plaza de la Raza , 3540 N. Mission Road, Los Angeles, 90031 Admission: $30 and one unwrapped toy (323) 223-2475 Pico Rivera Sports Arena Since 1979, the events center has been a destination for traditional competitive rodeo-style equestrian events (charreadas) and musical entertainment in this largely Mexican American community. During the holidays, two family-friendly posada-themed events kick off the season. Picolandia , a live music and dancing event, also known as a coleadero baile, features cow-tipping charros (Mexican cowboys) and performances by five bandas, norteños and tamborazos. Free two-day music and food festival La Gran Posada features local vendors, face painting, games, a photo booth and mariachis, bandas, chinelos and DJs at this equestrian cultural hub. When: Various times, Dec. 14 and 15 Where: Pico Rivera Sports Arena , 11003 Sports Arena Drive, Pico Rivera, 90601 Admission: Free entry with option to purchase a VIP table for $65.87 Fox Theater Pomona Built in 1931 during the golden age of cinema to showcase Fox Film Corporation productions, Pomona’s Art Deco Fox Theater was restored in 2009. La Gran Posada brings the Christmas story to this vibrant and multipurpose entertainment hub with immersive theatrical and musical performances showcasing traditional Mexican songs, folklorico dancers and multiple mariachi bands. Support local Latino vendors at a holiday craft and food marketplace taking place after the audience is invited to play pastores and shepherds led by an angel asking for shelter. When: Dec. 7, 6:30 to 10 p.m. Where: Fox Theater Pomona , 301 S. Garey Ave., Pomona, 91766 Admission: Free entry with options to purchase VIP packages up to about $500 that include dinner and entertainment Museum of Latin American Art The only museum in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latinx art, MOLAA celebrates Las Posadas with a tequila tasting. Sip on some of Mexico’s most versatile spirits, enjoy live music, eat food and a piñata workshop at this award-winning institution showcasing modern works. Proceeds benefit the purchase of costumes and instruments for the Conservatorio Cultural Mariachi y Folklore, an organization that preserves, promotes and teaches traditional Mexican mariachi music and folkloric dance. When: Dec. 15, 4 to 10 p.m. Where: Museum of Latin American Art Store , 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, 90802 Admission: Free; $28.52 tequila tasting PLACE LB Volunteer-run community art space PLACE LB is culminating its Second Sundays workshop series with Posada Vibes, where teaching artists share their process. Make paper with Semillas Sustainability & Wellness , 80s-style plushies with sewing instructors from QTBIPOC-friendly pop-up Radical Sewist , coffee film processing with Long Beach Community Media Arts and mini ornaments with performance and installation artist Cindita’s Tiendita . Shop local at an indoor-outdoor vendor marketplace, take photos with AB Photobooth , enjoy free tamales, dessert, ponche and live music from the transgender lesbian cumbia band LXS Cochinxs . Be inspired by local artists, makers and community arts organizations at this print studio, zine hub and DIY art space for everyone. When: Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Place LB, 2172 Pacific Ave., Long Beach, 90806 Admission: Free to $25.25 community food ticketNone
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Abdus-Salaam scored on a 22-yard run for a 23-8 lead in the third quarter and he celebrated by jumping into a snowbank bordering the end zone. The Broncos (6-6, 5-3 Mid-American Conference) blocked a punt for safety that started a run of 16 points in under four minutes. Abdus-Salaam scored on a 31-yard screen pass then Joey Pope recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff to set up Jalen Buckley's 15-yard TD run with 19 seconds before the half ended. Eastern Michigan's Delmert Mimms II scored two third-quarter touchdowns. The teams exchanged field goals for the only fourth-quarter scoring. The Eagles got the ball back with 2:18 remaining but on their first play Bilhal Kone intercepted a tipped pass. Eastern Michigan (5-7, 2-6) lost its last five games. Abdus-Salaam rushed for 135 yards and Buckley 103 on 19 carries apiece. Hayden Wolff threw for 126 yards and a score. Abdus-Salaam had 40 yards receiving. Mimms rushed for 127 yards on 18 carries. Cole Snyder was only 7 of 22 for 91 yards passing. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25Former U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper Tim Howard has called Christian Pulisic ’s decision to celebrate a goal using the ‘Trump Dance’ “stupid” and said that he himself would never show support to someone he “(believes) is racist.” Pulisic’s celebration came after he scored the first goal in USMNT’s 4-2 Nations League victory over Jamaica . After the match, the Milan winger was asked about his dance and said he didn’t feel it was a political statement. Advertisement “It was just a dance that everyone’s doing,” Pulisic said after confirming it had indeed been the ‘Trump Dance’. “He’s the one who created it. I just thought it was funny ... It’s not a political dance. It was just for fun. I saw a bunch of people do it and I thought it was funny, so I enjoyed it. I hope some people did, at least.” Christian Pulisic wasn't the only USMNT player that hit the Trump dance after his goal against Jamaica. (via @awnaveed11 ) pic.twitter.com/1SxBGVbNJq — USMNT Only (@usmntonly) November 19, 2024 The ‘Trump Dance’ has become a viral trend after being widely used by Trump himself on the presidential election campaign trail. That has now spread to sports, with National Football League player Nick Bosa celebrating a sack using the dance, and most recently combat sports fighter Jon Jones performing it after knocking out his opponent, in front of a watching Trump. But Howard, widely-considered among the greatest players in the history of American men’s soccer, criticised Pulisic, calling into question his awareness surrounding the political climate in the United States following the U.S. election, where Trump earned a second term by roundly defeating Democratic challenger and current Vice President Kamala Harris. “Doing a dance that mimics (U.S. president-elect) Donald Trump is stupid,” Howard wrote in the UK’s Daily Mail . “Why? Because, whether it’s the president of the United States or my neighbor down the street, I would never back someone who I believe is racist. I wouldn’t glorify that. I wouldn’t do it for anything.” Referring to Pulisic’s insistence that the dance was not a “political” act, Howard said: “That explanation doesn’t wash. You cannot have it both ways. You’re on one side of this or the other. If you are bold enough to publicly make a statement, I don’t have a problem with that. But own it.” Advertisement Howard also attacked the U.S. Soccer Federation, suggesting that it needed to do a better job of educating its players on the ramifications of their actions. The former Everton keeper also stated that he felt some athletes were ignoring problematic policies and political leanings in order to maximize their earnings. “Athletes know they can protect their assets by supporting a certain political party,” wrote Howard. “I have a lot of friends who are very wealthy and they sold their soul to protect their money. “Support whoever you want, for whatever reason you like. But my message to Pulisic, Bosa, Jones and Co? Own it.” U.S. Soccer declined to comment on Howard’s remarks. President-elect Trump’s office has been approached for comment. GO DEEPER Explaining USMNT star Christian Pulisic’s ‘Donald Trump dance' and its impact (Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
December 18, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread by Hebrew University of Jerusalem A recent study led by researchers from the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University—Hadas Goldgeier, Dr. Antoine Muller, and Prof. Leore Grosman—introduces a new computational method to analyze the architectural development of early settlements. By offering an objective and repeatable approach to examining architectural remains, the study gives a new perspective on the transition from round to rectangular structures during the Neolithic period in the Near East. Architectural forms have long been tied to societal shifts such as changes in social organization , demographics, and economic strategies. However, traditional interpretations of early architecture have relied on qualitative methods, which may oversimplify complex trends. This study, now published in Archaeological Research in Asia , provides a fresh perspective by digitizing building outlines and employing computational tools to objectively quantify their two-dimensional morphology. Using measures like the directionality of normal vectors and minimum angles, the team analyzed 118 structures from 23 sites across the Mediterranean region and Jordan Valley, dating from the Natufian culture to the early Neolithic (15,000–8,500 years ago). The results revealed a far more nuanced picture than the conventional "round-to-rectangular" narrative suggests. Structures with right angles, previously associated with later architectural phases, were found as early as the Natufian period, reflecting significant advances in building technology at an earlier stage than previously thought. Moreover, the variability in structure shapes was highest during the Natufian and early Neolithic periods, reflecting a lack of formalized conventions. Later in the Neolithic, however, architectural forms showed greater uniformity, potentially signaling the emergence of codified building traditions. This study not only challenges traditional interpretations but also highlights the social and technological changes accompanying the transition to permanent settlements and agricultural economies. The computational methodology offers an innovative lens to understand architectural history, demonstrating how quantitative analyses can uncover trends that remain hidden in qualitative approaches. By emphasizing the dynamic variability and technological ingenuity of early builders, this research sheds new light on the inception of architecture in the Levant and underscores the importance of integrating modern analytical tools into archaeological studies . More information: Hadas Goldgeier et al, A computational perspective on the dynamics of early architecture, Archaeological Research in Asia (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ara.2024.100571 Journal information: Archaeological Research in Asia, Provided by Hebrew University of JerusalemConvergence Financial LLC Has $5.44 Million Stock Holdings in Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)LCNB stock touches 52-week high at $17.3 amid robust growth( MENAFN - Gulf Times) World number one Aryna Sabalenka says she is“fresh and ready to go” in her bid for a third straight Australian Open title, warning she has plenty of room for improvement. The 26-year-old enjoyed a sensational 2024, reaching seven finals and winning four titles, including the US Open. Her year was kickstarted by defending her Australian Open crown, beating China's high-flying Zheng Qinwen in the final. Should she win it again, she will become the first woman to claim three straight Melbourne Park singles titles since Martina Hingis between 1997-1999. “I feel fresh and ready to go,” the Belarusian said, according to the WTA website on Thursday, after arriving for the Brisbane International which starts on Sunday ahead of the Australian Open from January 12. “I love Australia and I always come here hungry and always come here ready. “I feel all the support here, and I think that's the best thing about Australia, that people are really, really, into tennis.” Reaching Brisbane finalSabalenka also began 2024 in Brisbane, reaching the final without losing a set only to crash to Kazakstan's Elena Rybakina in the decider. She spent time in the off-season at her home in Florida before heading to the Middle East to prepare for Australia and will use the Brisbane tournament to fine-tune her Grand Slam preparations. “You work hard on lots of things in the pre-season,” she said. “The first tournament before the major tournament is the one where you can try it out and see what's going to work well for you, and what's not.” Despite her rise through the ranks to be the player to beat heading into 2025, Sabalenka said there were still parts of her game that need work. “Oh, there is so many things to improve,” she said.“I mean, I'm not that good with maybe my game at the net in singles. There is a lot of things to improve in my touch game. “There is so many things, even my serve is not as good as I want it to be, so there is always (elements) to improve.” Halep to skip AO and delay start of season due to injury Simona Halep will delay her start to the 2025 season and skip the Australian Open due to pain in her knee and shoulder, the former world number one said in a social media post on Thursday. Halep, whose career stalled due to a doping ban that was reduced on appeal this year, had received a wildcard for the Australian Open qualifying tournament last week. She had finished runner-up at the Melbourne major in 2018. The 33-year-old had also been scheduled to play at a tune-up tournament in Auckland. Halep last played at the World Tennis League exhibition event in Abu Dhabi last week. “After playing in Abu Dhabi, unfortunately I felt pain in my knee and shoulder once again,” Halep said. “After discussing with my team at length, we agreed it is sensible to delay the start of my season,” Halep wrote on Instagram. “It's not what I wanted but I would like to thank the tournament organisers in Auckland and Australia for the wild cards and I'm sorry I won't be able to take them this time.” The Romanian said she intends to return at her home event in Cluj in early February. Halep was provisionally suspended in October 2022 after she tested positive for roxadustat - a banned drug that stimulates the production of red blood cells - at the US Open that year. She was later banned for four years, a period which was cut to nine months in March following an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The 2019 Wimbledon champion has denied knowingly taking roxadustat, blaming contaminated supplements for her positive test. MENAFN26122024000067011011ID1109033795 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
De Beers has built up its largest stockpile of diamonds since the Great Financial Crisis, as sinking demand and tougher competition weigh on the industry giant. "It's been a bad year for rough diamond sales," chief executive Al Cook told the . According to the outlet, the firm's diamond trove has stood at around $2 billion for most of this year. Headwinds have piled high against De Beers since the pandemic. As post-COVID demand cooled and prices plunged, the world's largest diamond producer started stockpiling unsold inventory to weather the moment. "We build up stocks of those because we are confident that over time the diamond price will increase and we will be able to sell that supply into the growing demand that we believe will come," Cook said at a briefing last year, quoted by . So far, that demand hasn't shown up. Cooling consumption in China is part of this year's problem. As the country's population keeps shrinking, so have marriage rates — that's caused diamond imports into China to , compared to the first half of 2023. De Beers found that Chinese jewelers were dealing with their excess supply and exporting polished stones to alleviate the issue. are also adding pressure. While looking virtually identical, man-made stones cost a fraction of naturally mined diamonds and have swept into the mainstream market. Loose demand has impacted pricing of this side of the market as well, and analysts told Business Insider that these lab-grown stone prices by double-digits through next year. The same experts previously projected that the lab-grown "fad" will lose its shine over time, offering natural diamonds some breathing room. De Beers has embraced this notion with marketing that emphasizes its raw product. Cook is holding out for a "gradual recovery" next year, as evident in US credit card data, he told the FT. Read the original article onDiamcor and Tiffany & Co. Canada Sign Agreement to Amend Outstanding Loans
Western Michigan beats Eastern Michigan 26-18 to become bowl eligible
Unlikely battleground California plays key role -- again -- in setting US House's political balance(BPT) - This article was sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting movement and posture that begins in early childhood development. It is the most common cause of motor disability in children, affecting about one in 345 children in the United States. 1-2 It may happen as a result of lack of oxygen during or around birth, stroke, infection, a problem with metabolism or other problems that cause injury or affect the development of parts of the brain involved in movement control in the first few years of life. 3 CP is a permanent condition, affecting a person for their entire life. People living with CP typically have motor problems, which may include spasticity (abnormal muscle tightness), dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements) or ataxia (poor muscle control), and many people have a mix of these motor disorders. 4 Dyskinesia due to CP (DCP) is one of the most disabling forms of CP and impacts approximately 10% to 20% of people living with CP. 5-6 According to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF), the combination of irregular and unpredictable movements (chorea) and twisting and repeating movements (dystonia) often disrupt activities and cause significant functional impairment, including the ability to maintain balance, walk or fine motor control. 7 Heather Riordan, M.D., Neurologist and Movement Disorders Specialist, Director of the Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, discusses the symptoms of chorea and impact on patients in a video shared on the CPF website here . About 30% of people with DCP are affected mostly by these involuntary and irregular movements (chorea), while dystonia is the predominant motor finding in the remaining 70%. 8 However, it is common for both chorea and dystonia movements to be present together. 6 For people living with DCP, these movements can occur in any region of the body, including the arms and legs, torso and face and may vary in severity. They are often triggered or made worse by stimulation or stress. Because dyskinesia can occur at rest and/or when actively using the body, the problems with movement are very burdensome in day-to-day living, with discomfort and pain affecting the quality of life for people and their caregivers. 9 Jen Lyman, mom to a son with DCP, highlights how dyskinesia makes communicating more difficult. "The most difficult thing about dyskinesia is watching my son struggle to do things that he wants to do, but the extra movements get in the way...special things, such as using a touch screen to video chat with his grandmother, are nearly impossible despite his best efforts to use his hands and fingers. Something so simple, yet so special for him should be effortless." DCP has a wide-ranging impact on the individual, including lifelong challenges with movement, a higher risk of other medical issues, a higher rate of mental health challenges and difficulties with communication. 10-12 "Those of us who have the privilege to serve patients with dyskinetic, hyperkinetic or mixed cerebral palsy see the functional impact of this very challenging type of tone every day," said Susan Biffl, M.D., Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego and Assistant Professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine. "Patients face challenges with self-care, independence, mobility, communication, fine motor skills that affect occupational and recreational activities, swallowing, social interactions and even sleep. As this tone is variable, it is much more challenging to treat than more consistent tone issues, such as spasticity." Treatment Options There are currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for DCP. Dystonia and chorea are often managed separately as they respond differently to various treatments, which can make treatment challenging. 3 Most drugs being investigated for DCP have focused on dystonia, and more research is needed to determine potential treatments for chorea. New treatment options are needed to help manage these movement disorders and improve daily function and quality of life for those affected. "After 20 years of caring for individuals with cerebral palsy, I continue to find those with dyskinetic cerebral palsy among the most challenging to treat, largely due to the limited effectiveness of available pharmacologic options," said Joyce Oleszek, M.D., Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine. "There is an urgent need for more robust evidence to support pharmacologic treatments for this condition, given its profound impact on function, comfort and quality of life." Ongoing Research Clinical studies are important in the development of treatment options, allowing researchers to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new medicines. The data from clinical studies are used to determine if an investigational treatment can be approved for use to treat certain disorders. There are ongoing clinical studies evaluating potential treatments for DCP, including one for chorea. Neurocrine Biosciences is conducting the KINECT ® -DCP clinical study, a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study investigating the study drug, valbenazine, for the treatment of DCP. The clinical study is currently enrolling children, adolescents and adults six to 70 years of age who have been diagnosed with DCP. "The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is excited to partner with Neurocrine Biosciences on this study," said Rachel Byrne, Executive Director of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. "We are proud to support strong research that can potentially bring meaningful change to the lives of those living with cerebral palsy." If you or someone you know may be eligible for this research study, please visit the study website for additional information here: FindADCPStudy.com . REFERENCES © 2024 Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CAP-NBI-US-0115 12/2024 NBI-98854-DCP3018_11DecMatRelease_v1.0_25November2024
Why your favorite catalogs are smaller this holiday season
Wunderdogs Unveils Report on the Next Generation of Climate Tech Startups, in Collaboration with True Ventures, Wireframe Ventures, Planeteer Capital, Activate and Prelude VenturesManmohan Singh, a former Indian Prime Minister, has passed away at the age of 92. Known for architecting India's economic reforms, he played a key role in liberalizing India's economy and introducing pathbreaking initiatives such as the Right to Information Act. Singh's tenure as Prime Minister witnessed both unprecedented economic growth and challenges, including allegations of corruption that marred his government. Despite this, Singh remained a stalwart figure, earning respect on the global stage for his academic and economic contributions. While his quiet demeanor and academic background set him apart in the political arena, Singh's legacy is defined by his significant impact on India's economic policies and his unwavering commitment to ethical governance. (With inputs from agencies.)Ruben Amorim impressed with Arsenal’s corners after first defeat as Man Utd boss
Shares of Accenture PLC Cl A .css-8459s-OverridedLink.css-8459s-OverridedLink:any-link{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:var(--color-interactiveLink010, interactiveLink010);border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:var(--color-interactiveLink010, interactiveLink010);}.css-8459s-OverridedLink.css-8459s-OverridedLink:any-link.css-8459s-OverridedLink.css-8459s-OverridedLink:any-link svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink010, interactiveLink010);}.css-8459s-OverridedLink.css-8459s-OverridedLink:any-link:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:var(--color-interactiveLink020, interactiveLink020);border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:var(--color-interactiveLink020, interactiveLink020);}.css-8459s-OverridedLink.css-8459s-OverridedLink:any-link:hover.css-8459s-OverridedLink.css-8459s-OverridedLink:any-link:hover svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink020, interactiveLink020);} .css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink{display:inline;color:var(--color-interactiveLink010);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}@media screen and (prefers-reduced-motion: no-preference){.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink{transition-property:color,fill;transition-duration:200ms,200ms;transition-timing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1),cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1);}}@media screen and (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink{transition-property:color,fill;transition-duration:0ms;transition-timing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1),cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1);}}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink010);}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:hover:not(:disabled){color:var(--color-interactiveLink020);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:hover:not(:disabled) svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink020);}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:active:not(:disabled){color:var(--color-interactiveLink030);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:active:not(:disabled) svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink030);}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:visited:not(:disabled){color:var(--color-interactiveVisited010);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:visited:not(:disabled) svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveVisited010);}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:visited:hover:not(:disabled){color:var(--color-interactiveVisited010);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:visited:hover:not(:disabled) svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveVisited010);}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:focus-visible:not(:disabled){outline-color:var(--outlineColorDefault);outline-style:var(--outlineStyleDefault);outline-width:var(--outlineWidthDefault);outline-offset:var(--outlineOffsetDefault);}@media not all and (min-resolution: 0.001dpcm){@supports (-webkit-appearance: none) and (stroke-color: transparent){.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:focus-visible:not(:disabled){outline-style:var(--safariOutlineStyleDefault);}}}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:any-link{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:var(--color-interactiveLink010, interactiveLink010);border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:var(--color-interactiveLink010, interactiveLink010);}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:any-link.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:any-link svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink010, interactiveLink010);}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:any-link:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:var(--color-interactiveLink020, interactiveLink020);border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:var(--color-interactiveLink020, interactiveLink020);}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:any-link:hover.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:any-link:hover svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink020, interactiveLink020);} ACN inched 0.26% higher to $363.84 Wednesday, on what proved to be an all-around mixed trading session for the stock market, with the S&P 500 Index SPX rising 0.82% to 6,084.19 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA falling 0.22% to 44,148.56. This was the stock's second consecutive day of gains.