Unveiling the Archaeological Mystery of Stonehenge's Missing Megaliths

By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff

G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation

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Image Source : Mike Pitts

Stonehenge, an iconic prehistoric monument, continues to captivate archaeologists and enthusiasts alike with its enigmatic history. Located on Salisbury Plain, this ancient structure is not only a testament to human ingenuity but also a source of endless intrigue, particularly regarding its long-lost megaliths. These monumental stones, which once formed a complete circle, have perplexed scholars for centuries. Recent archaeological discoveries and advanced technology are gradually unraveling this mystery, shedding light on the construction, purpose, and fate of the missing elements of Stonehenge.

The awe-inspiring alignment of Stonehenge with the winter solstice sunset is no coincidence, as archaeologists believe it was meticulously designed by its builders. However, 4,500 years ago, the spectacle was even more impressive, marked by additional upright pairs of stones. Today, only a few of these megaliths remain, the rest having vanished over the millennia. Early plans and sketches dating back to the 16th century provide a glimpse of how the site appeared in earlier times, but modern excavations reveal that half the stones have been moved or lost entirely. Restoration efforts in the 20th century ensured the stability of the remaining structure but also underscored the extent of its transformation.

Excavations have uncovered evidence of pits and cavities that once held the missing stones, suggesting a more expansive original layout. The Aubrey Holes, a circle of 56 pits discovered in the 17th century, may have housed smaller stones known as bluestones, transported from Wales. These discoveries challenge earlier assumptions and raise new questions about whether Stonehenge was ever fully completed. Evidence from nearby sites further complicates the narrative, with some theorizing that stones were relocated or repurposed over time.

Damage inflicted by centuries of human activity has also contributed to the loss of megaliths. Visitors in the 19th century were known to chip away fragments as souvenirs, leaving visible scars on the stones. Laser surveys conducted in 2012 revealed the extent of this damage, confirming the destructive impact of human interference. Some stones, such as the Slaughter Stone, bear marks of attempted removal, while others appear to have been broken and taken away entirely.

The fate of the missing stones is a subject of ongoing debate. While no sarsen stones have been located beyond the site, fragments of bluestones have surfaced in unexpected places, including gardens and museums. Notably, a geological breakthrough in 2024 traced the origins of the Altar Stone, a unique sandstone bluestone, to northeastern Scotland. This discovery highlights the remarkable distances these stones traveled and the enduring fascination they inspire.

Stonehenge remains a symbol of mystery and resilience. Its incomplete circle and missing elements invite speculation about the motivations and capabilities of its creators. Each new finding enriches our understanding of this prehistoric marvel, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity of ancient societies. As researchers continue to explore its secrets, Stonehenge stands as a testament to humanity’s enduring quest to connect with the past and unravel the stories etched into its enduring stones.

Many American Teenagers are Declining from Drinking, Smoking, and Marijuana, Survey Reported

Wanjiru Waweru, Jadetimes News

W. Waweru is a Jadetimes News Reporter Covering Health News

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Image Source: John Minchillo

New York City, New York – Teen drug users have not rebounded from their decrease during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the results from an enormous annual national survey published Tuesday, December 18.

About two-thirds of 12th-grade participants this year reported they had not used any substances including alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, or e-cigarettes in the previous 30 days. That leads to the lead proportion declining since the survey that began investigating abstinence in 2017.

Along with 10th-grade participants, 80% of them reported that they also use any substances which upgraded another survey, especially, for 8th-grade participants, 90% of them did not use any of them, a similar result as published in the previous survey.

Image Source: Bebetto Matthews

The only significant upgrade occurred in the nicotine pouches. About 6% of 12th-grade participants reported that they interacted with these substances in the previous year, an increase from about 3% in 2023.

According to Spectrum News, “the federally funded Monitoring the Future survey has been operating since 1975. This year’s findings are based on responses from about 24,000 students in grades 8, 10, and 12 in schools nationwide. The survey is ‘one of the best, if not the best’ source of national data for substance use by teens, said Noah Kreski, a Columbia University researcher who has studied teen drug use.”

Early in the pandemic, students were told not to attend school and avoid social gatherings. They were at home, under their parents’ roof. Alcohol and drugs of all forms of substances decreased due to experimentation approaches with friends that peer pressure spurred, according to health experts.

Spectrum News stated that “but marijuana use wasn't falling before the pandemic. And vaping was on the upswing. It was only during the pandemic that those two saw enduring declines, too.”

Some health experts noted that the pandemic lockdown had a dark impact.

Miech confirmed that many teens who used e-cigarettes or other drug substances as an experiment since the ninth grade, sometimes due to older adolescents are repeating the same. However, the kids who were ninth graders during the lockdowns never engaged in these toxic habits and did not have the chance to adapt to the negative impact on their peers.

“The pandemic stopped the cycle of new kids coming in and being recruited to drug use,” said Miech.

Mental health could lead to be a factor. It became increased evidence for early signs of depression and anxiety in children after the pandemic. “Depression is often associated with substance use, but some people with depression and anxiety are very wary of messing with drugs,” said Duncan Clark, a University of Pittsburgh psychiatrist who studied substance use in children.

“Some teens with anxiety are worried about the effects of substances. They may also be socially inhibited and have less opportunity to use drugs," said Clark. "It's a complicated relationship.”

Google Proposes Solutions to Address Search Monopoly Allegations

Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jadetimes Staff

V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Innovation.

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Image Source : Lily Jamali

Tech Giant Suggests Changes Amid Ongoing Antitrust Battle

Alphabet's Google has proposed a series of measures to address allegations of its monopoly in the online search market. These proposals include limiting revenue-sharing agreements with companies like Apple, which currently make Google the default search engine on their devices and browsers. 

The recommendations come as part of Google's efforts to address concerns raised during its high-profile antitrust case in the United States. 

Background: The Antitrust Ruling

In August, US District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google had unlawfully stifled competition in the search engine market. This landmark decision marked a significant blow to Google's dominance in the online search ecosystem. The tech giant, however, has vowed to appeal the ruling, continuing its legal battle against claims of anti-competitive practices. 

Google's Proposed Remedies

In a legal filing submitted last Friday, Google outlined its counterproposals, which it argues strike a balance between addressing competition concerns and maintaining operational flexibility. 

Key elements of Google's proposals include: 

- Revenue-Sharing Agreements: Google suggests retaining these contracts but with stricter limits to ensure fair competition. 

- Platform-Specific Default Search Options: Allowing different default search engines to be set for various platforms and browsing modes. 

- Regular Default Search Changes: Ensuring that partners can change their default search provider at least once every 12 months. 

Google argues that these measures would expand consumer choice while allowing the company to continue partnering with device makers and browsers. 

Justice Department's Sweeping Recommendations

Google's proposals differ significantly from the more aggressive remedies suggested by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). Last month, the DOJ recommended that the court force Google to cease all revenue-sharing contracts entirely. 

The DOJ also proposed a more dramatic measure: requiring Google to divest its Chrome browser, which dominates the market as the world's most widely used web browser. 

Google's Response to DOJ's Demands

In its filing, Google criticized the DOJ's recommendations as "overbroad" and argued that they would harm not only the company but also its partners and consumers. The tech giant emphasized that even its own proposed remedies would impose significant costs on its partnerships and operations. 

Google currently controls about 90% of the global online search market, according to data from web traffic analysis platform Statcounter. 

What’s Next in the Antitrust Case?

Judge Mehta will now evaluate the proposed remedies from both sides, with a decision expected by August. This ruling will determine the long-term implications for Google’s business practices and its position in the search engine market. 

As the case progresses, the stakes remain high for Google, its partners, and the broader tech industry, where questions of market dominance and fair competition continue to spark debate.