An analysis of two 2,700-year-old cauldrons revealed they were used to store animal blood — and possibly yak milk. Bruce Worden/ University of MichiganA rock art depiction of cauldron use from an Iron Age settlement in Russia. During multiple archaeological excavations across the Eurasian steppe over the years, researchers have come across several bronze cauldrons, the purpose of which remained unknown for quite some time. Now, new research suggests the cauldrons may have been used to collect animal blood — possibly for sausage production.

Whether it was "killer," "lover," "con artist," or adventurer, Catalina de Erauso was called many things. This is her story.Equally warlike and amorous, Catalina de Erauso was a warrior and adventurer of the 17th century whose mystique has only ripened with age. From the abbeys and squares of Spain to the outposts and wilds of the Americas, she earned her epithet of La Monja Alferez: “The Lieutenant Nun.” The daughter of a prominent 16th-century Spanish military family (many of whom were colonizers of the Americas), Catalina de Erauso was born on the craggy coastline of Basque Country in the town of San Sebastian.

Researchers studied a partial skull of the pterosaur and determined that the dinosaur cousins were likely covered in fuzz-like hairs and sported a bold crown of feathers.Maria McNamaraPaleontologists found branched feathers similar to those of modern birds in the pterosaur’s fossilized crest. Scientists have long known that dinosaurs had feathers of some sort, but now they believe they’ve found proof that these feathers existed 100 million years earlier than they previously thought.

A number of extremely rare Pacific footballfish have washed up in California in 2021, both puzzling and delighting curious scientists.Ben Frable/Scripps Institution of OceanographyThe most recent Pacific footballfish found in California. In the past century, just 31 footballfish have been found by humans. That’s because these elusive anglerfish swim at depths of up to 3,300 feet, their path illuminated by the bioluminescent bulbs swinging from their heads. But this year alone, three of these rare fish have washed up in California.

English mystic, novelist, mountaineer, and magician Aleister Crowley rejected his upper-class Christian upbringing and explored the darkest corners of occultism.He was an occultist, ceremonial magician, drug fiend, sex addict, mountaineer, poet, and a “traitor to the British people.” He drew crowds of followers and hoards of critics. He was branded as evil and egotistical, a raging genius, and a messiah of anti-Christianity. It’s safe to say that few people in modern history generated as much controversy, shock, and scandal as Aleister Crowley.