Fri Sep 13 10:47:17 UTC 2024: ## From Space Sonifications to Ancient Treasures: A Week in News

**This week’s news is a diverse mix of fascinating discoveries, innovative technologies, and a look back at history.**

**Science & Technology:** NASA has unveiled new “sonifications” of the universe, celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Chandra X-ray Observatory. Meanwhile, researchers are exploring the use of grain left from beer production to create alternative leather, while robots are being developed for space mission assistance.

**Culture & History:** Anthropologist Phil Stevens delves into the origins of the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th. The Varna Treasure, considered the world’s oldest human processed gold, continues to fascinate historians. Bettany Hughes explores ancient archaeological finds underwater in Sozopol, Bulgaria, and a hidden wooden model of Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece lies within a London cathedral. The prehistoric paintings in Magura Cave, Bulgaria, reveal surprising materials used by ancient artists.

**Health & Lifestyle:** A dietary change is being promoted to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture. The BBC’s Melissa Hogenboom explains how better nutrition can improve memory. The Kakeibo, a century-old Japanese budgeting technique, provides a no-nonsense approach to financial management. And, an exploration of “vanity” sheds light on its surprising importance in societal function.

**Food & Travel:** Mangal 2, a London restaurant, is redefining Turkish cuisine. Reece Parkinson travels to the Bahamas to witness a community adapting to unpredictable weather patterns.

**Finally, the University of Miami’s large indoor air-sea interaction test facility is measuring the impact of storms.**

This week’s news highlights the breadth and depth of human inquiry, from the mysteries of the universe to the intricacies of everyday life.

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