Objects can evoke strong emotions, like nostalgia-inducing songs or keepsakes crafted by loved ones. For paleontologists Sarah Gabbott and Jan Zalasiewicz, these everyday items could become artifacts of the future, providing insights into humanity’s past.
The duo explores this concept in their new book “Discarded: How Technofossils Will Be Our Ultimate Legacy.” These technofossils – relics like wind turbines, cell phones, and plastic items – may not break down easily and could be preserved for centuries. Scientists are already puzzled over the purpose of these objects and how they fit into human history.
A smartphone’s significance is particularly puzzling, as Gabbott notes that “they’ll see loads and loads of these things… but what the hell was it used for?” These everyday items hold secrets about human civilization, which may be lost to future generations.
In contrast, fossil discoveries offer a glimpse into ancient life forms. A newly discovered two-fingered species has sparked debate over its origins, with some speculating it came from the 1990 film “Edward Scissorhands.” The massive claws belonged to Duonychus tsogtbaatari, a towering dinosaur that roamed what’s now Mongolia.
Other discoveries shed light on the mysterious past. A parasitic wasp trapped in amber 99 million years ago has revealed an unusual structure for injecting eggs. Fossilized fish remains from 16 million years ago have provided clues about ancient ecosystems.
The recent partial solar eclipse, witnessed by millions, highlighted humanity’s connection to celestial events. Meanwhile, NASA layoffs and scientists capturing shark sounds offer a glimpse into the complexities of human exploration and discovery.
As we explore our universe, we uncover secrets about life on Earth and beyond. From ancient cave paintings to modern-day metal detector finds, each discovery reveals a piece of the puzzle that is humanity’s legacy.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/29/science/technofossils-science-newsletter-wt/index.html