These asteroids, with diameters of 124 miles and 84 miles, formed near the sun and likely contain water in various forms, such as trapped within silicate glass beads or bound to mineral surfaces. This revelation challenges previous assumptions that water would have evaporated from asteroids in the inner solar system due to solar heat. The discovery of water on these asteroids supports the theory that water did not originate on Earth but was delivered through asteroid impacts. As asteroids continually interact with planetary gravity, understanding their composition helps elucidate the distribution of materials within the solar system. Moreover, the presence of water on these asteroids has significant implications for the search for extraterrestrial life. Water is a fundamental requirement for life as we know it, and knowledge of its distribution in the solar system informs our search for habitable environments beyond Earth.

Lead author of the new study and asteroid researcher at the Southwest Research Institute, Anicia Arredondo, released a statement saying, “Asteroids are leftovers from the planetary formation process, so their compositions vary depending on where they formed in the solar nebula. Of particular interest is the distribution of water on asteroids, because that can shed light on how water was delivered to Earth.” Astrophysicist at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia, Jonti Horner, added, “Asteroids, comets, and their associated dust and debris are continually being nudged around by the gravity of the planets—changing the paths they follow through space. Because water is necessary for all life on Earth, [it] will drive where to look for potential life, both in our solar system and beyond.”

The research isn’t done yet! According to Arredondo, “We have another proposal in for the next cycle to look at another 30 targets [with Webb]. These studies will increase our understanding of the distribution of water in the solar system.”

In a remarkable discovery, Spanish researchers have revealed Europe’s oldest known sandals are more than 6,000 years old! Meanwhile, they have found evidence of basketry (basket-making) in the hunter-gatherer societies of southern Europe from more than 9,500 years ago.

Published in the journal Science Advances, the recent study meticulously dated 76 objects discovered in the Cueva de los Murciélagos (Cave of the Bats) near Granada, Spain. These ancient relics, crafted from organic materials such as wood, reed, and esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima), included intricately woven baskets and finely crafted sandals, shedding light on the skill and artistry of ancient communities as long ago as the year 4000BC.

Initially thought to be the work of Neolithic farmers due to their elaborate decorations, geometric motifs, dyed fibers, and even human hair or pigment adornments, carbon-14 dating later revealed how these artifacts were crafted during the Mesolithic era, challenging previous assumptions about the lifestyle of pre-agricultural southern European communities—and meaning the products were more than 2,000 years older than previously believed.

Much of our knowledge about past societies comes from durable artifacts, yet organic materials like grass and wood offer unique insights into ancient cultures and technological advancements. Southern Europe possesses limited well-preserved artifacts from organic materials due to challenges such as decay.

However, these plant-based artifacts provide invaluable information about societal traditions, trade networks, and human-environmental interactions.

The remarkable preservation conditions at Cueva de los Murciélagos, characterized by low humidity and dry, cooling winds, have made it an ideal site for artifact preservation. The cave, initially assessed for bat guano (excrement), later revealed a rich array of artifacts during mining activities.

The researchers are now embarking on an exciting journey to further unravel the mysteries of this ancient site by determining the age of human remains found within the cave using carbon-14 dating. This new window into prehistoric craftsmanship sheds light on ancient societies, their skills, and their adaptation to their environment, providing a deeper understanding of our shared human history—but we’ll stick to more recent shoe-making technology, thanks!