{"id":116132,"date":"2024-06-20T19:34:36","date_gmt":"2024-06-20T14:04:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/?post_type=current-affairs&#038;p=116132"},"modified":"2024-06-24T15:44:28","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T10:14:28","slug":"genomes-reveal-legacies-of-human-sacrifice","status":"publish","type":"current-affairs","link":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/current-affairs\/genomes-reveal-legacies-of-human-sacrifice","title":{"rendered":"Genomes Reveal Legacies of Human Sacrifice"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recently, Scientists have used archaeogenetics and evolutionary medicine to bring to light some of the inner lives and beliefs of the<\/span><b> Mayan people.<\/b><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100.4%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"width: 100%; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; background-color: rgba(184, 165, 217, 0.53); text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Genomes:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>About: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The genome encompasses all the chromosomes of an organism, containing the DNA and genes that make up the complete set of genetic information.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">A gene is the fundamental unit of heredity, composed of a sequence of nucleotides within DNA or RNA.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Key findings of the study<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Genetic Analysis:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Their studies uncovered that all juvenile individuals in the cenote were genetically male and closely linked through familial relations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Revisiting Colonial Narratives: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrary to 20th-century colonial narratives of young female sacrifices at this site, the study also detected two sets of identical twins among the remains.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Symbolism and Diets:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Twins were revered in Mayan spiritual beliefs and associated with the underworld.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, isotopic analysis conducted by researchers indicated that all the individuals related by genetics found in the cenote shared similar diets, implying they were members of the same household.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mayan Ritual Sacrifices and Agricultural Rituals: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The resemblances also indicated they were chosen for a particular role. It is widely held that the Maya conducted ritual sacrifices to ensure abundant maize growth and to appease rain deities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"vc_button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pw.live\/batches\/upsc?utm_source=seo+upsc+batch&#038;utm_medium=seo+upsc&#038;utm_campaign=seo&#038;utm_id=upsc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Enroll now for UPSC Online Course<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Benefits of the Study<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Genetic Immunity Selection: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Comparing ancient and modern genomes from Mexico, researchers discovered indications of natural selection in genes linked to immunity, particularly those involved in resistance against enteric fever caused by Salmonella enterica Paratyphi C.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This pathogen serotype was previously associated with the 16th century cocoliztli epidemic in Mexico.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Genomic Insights:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Studying ancient genomes alongside their modern counterparts helps unravel longstanding mysteries, debunk old hypotheses, and glean fresh insights from the past to guide future discoveries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Practice of Burying<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ancient Burial Practices: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers have documented the tradition of burial since the era of our now-extinct Neanderthal ancestors. The oldest deliberate burial of modern humans dates back over 100,000 years ago, found in a cave in Israel.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Evolution of Burial Practices:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> During this period, skeletal remains of a roughly three-year-old child buried in Kenya around 80,000 years ago were discovered. Burial practices continued to evolve alongside human civilizations, leading to the construction of elaborate mausoleums.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Honoring the Deceased: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The pyramids of Egypt served as colossal tombs for pharaohs, while the Taj Mahal in Agra, commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, stands as a mausoleum dedicated to his wife.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These constructions symbolize a lasting human inclination to honor and commemorate the deceased.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Ancient Mayan genomes<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ancient Mayan City: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chich\u00e9n Itz\u00e1, situated in present-day Mexico, is an ancient Mayan city renowned for its impressive architecture and iconic ceremonial temples constructed between 800 and 1000 AD.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ancient Rituals: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The temples are notorious for being the location of human sacrifices offered as part of rituals and have been subject to ongoing archaeological investigation for over a century.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These sacrifices were placed in a large sinkhole or underground reservoir known as the &#8216;Sacred Cenote&#8217;.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mayan Sacred Cenote Sacrifices: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Mayan culture, these underground features were frequently linked to water and rainfall.The Sacred Cenote at Chich\u00e9n Itz\u00e1 contains the skeletal remains of over 200 individuals who were ritually sacrificed, with a significant number of them being children or adolescents.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Genome Sequencing<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>About: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Genome sequencing involves identifying the precise sequence of base pairs in an individual&#8217;s DNA strand.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DNA molecules consist of long chains of nucleotides, comprising sugar molecules linked to a phosphate group and a nitrogen-containing base.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bases of DNA include Adenine (A), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G), and Thymine (T).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Human Genomes: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The human genome consists of about 3.2 billion nucleotides and includes approximately 23,500 genes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Significance of Genome sequencing<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>\u00a0Treating Genetic Diseases: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Genome sequencing enables:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prenatal screening to detect genetic disorders in fetuses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early diagnosis of cancer through liquid biopsies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pharmacogenetics, studying how genes influence drug responses to prevent adverse reactions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Advancement in Predictive Diagnostics: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Genome sequencing facilitates the development of customized drugs and gene therapies tailored to individual genetic profiles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Enhancing Advanced Analytics: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Utilizing genome sequencing to integrate advanced analytics and artificial intelligence enhances our understanding of genetic factors causing diseases and aids in the development of treatments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Understanding Viral Mutations: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Genome sequencing aims to comprehend how specific mutations enhance the virus&#8217;s infectivity. Certain mutations contribute to immune evasion, allowing the virus to evade antibodies, which impacts vaccine effectiveness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Agriculture:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Genome sequencing enables the breeding of crops and livestock with desirable traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, and enhanced nutritional content, as demonstrated by Bt Cotton.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Forensics:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Genome sequencing is utilized in forensic analysis, such as identifying victims of crimes and natural disasters. For instance, forensic scientists compare DNA from crime scenes (e.g., blood or hair) with samples from suspects.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bioengineering:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Genome sequencing supports the design and development of synthetic biological systems and biomolecules for diverse applications.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Insight into Evolution:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> By studying genome sequences of early and modern humans, scientists have revealed that our ancestors interbred with other hominins like Neanderthals and Denisovans.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"vc_button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+CSE+Books\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100.229%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 138.125%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\" colspan=\"2\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Must Read<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50.5357%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/editorial-analysis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Daily Editorials<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 87.5895%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/daily-current-affairs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Daily Current Affairs<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50.5357%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-textbooks?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Textbooks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 87.5895%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-modules?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Modules\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50.5357%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-previous-year-papers?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Previous+Year+Papers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 87.5895%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/upsc-test-series-courses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Test Series 2024<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50.5357%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/quiz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Current Affairs Quiz<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 87.5895%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/mains-answer-writing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Main Answer Writing<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 138.125%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\" colspan=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+CSE+Books\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Recently, Scientists have used archaeogenetics and evolutionary medicine to bring to light some of the inner lives and beliefs of the Mayan people. Genomes: About: The genome encompasses all the chromosomes of an organism, containing the DNA and genes that make up the complete set of genetic information.\u00a0 A gene is the fundamental unit of&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/current-affairs\/genomes-reveal-legacies-of-human-sacrifice\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Genomes Reveal Legacies of Human Sacrifice<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"paper-wise":[2089],"subject":[2092],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/current-affairs\/116132"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/current-affairs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/current-affairs"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=116132"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/current-affairs\/116132\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":116136,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/current-affairs\/116132\/revisions\/116136"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=116132"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=116132"},{"taxonomy":"paper-wise","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/paper-wise?post=116132"},{"taxonomy":"subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/subject?post=116132"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}