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Lost biblical plant with medicinal properties resurrected from 1,000-year-old seed

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Lost biblical plant with medicinal properties resurrected from 1,000-year-old seed

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Botanists have grown a long-lost tree species from a 1,000-year-old seed found in a cave in the Judean Desert in the 1980s.

The researchers involved in the project say they believe the tree species, which is thought to be extinct today, could have been the source of a healing balm mentioned in the Bible and other ancient texts.

Unearthed during an archaeological dig in the lower Wadi el-Makkuk region north of Jerusalem, the ancient seed was determined to be in pristine condition. But the scientists conducting the new research weren’t able to identify the type of tree from the seed alone. The team, led by Dr. Sarah Sallon, a physician who founded the Louis L. Borick Natural Medicine Research Center at Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem, planted the seed to further investigate more than a dozen years ago.

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Sallon said it was possible that the tree could be the source of the biblical “tsori,” a medicinal plant extract associated with the historical region of Gilead north of the Dead Sea in the Jordan Rift Valley, a mountainous and forested area that was intensely cultivated and is now part of Jordan.

The team’s findings, described in a study published September 10 in the journal Communications Biology, unlock some of the secrets surrounding the origins of this enigmatic specimen, which Sallon nicknamed “Sheba.”

The study team measured the seed prior to planting in 2010. At that point, it wasn't clear how old it was. - Guy Eisner

The study team measured the seed prior to planting in 2010. At that point, it wasn’t clear how old it was. – Guy Eisner

Genetic fingerprint without a match

To germinate the specimen, study coauthor Dr. Elaine Solowey, a researcher emerita at the Center for Sustainable Agriculture at The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies in Israel, used a process perfected during previous research led by Sallon on 2,000-year-old date palm seeds. The approach involved soaking the mysterious Judean Desert seed in water mixed with hormones and fertilizer before planting it in a pot of sterile soil.

“About five and a half weeks later, up jumps this nice little shoot,” Sallon said.
Protecting the shoot tip was a caplike feature called an operculum. Once it had shed, the team used radiocarbon dating on the organic matter to estimate the plant’s age and found the specimen dated to between AD 993 and 1202.

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Not long after, the tree began to sprout leaves. Sallon shared images of the tree and its leaves with botanists around the world. One expert suggested it belonged to the genus Commiphora. The group includes around 200 species of tree primarily found in Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula.

Sallon next shared a sample from the leaf with study coauthor Dr. Andrea Weeks, an associate professor in the department of biology at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Weeks sequenced the tree’s DNA, confirming the preliminary identification. However, the sample didn’t match any of the known Commiphora species in her database.

With its unique genetic fingerprint, the unknown Commiphora species most likely represented an extinct taxon once native to the region surrounding the Judean Desert, according to the study.

However, the tree, which is now more than 14 years old and almost 10 feet (3 meters) tall, has neither flowered nor borne fruit. Without these more easily identifiable features, it’s not possible to identify the cryptic species with certainty, the study added.

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The tree, which the study authors believe may have a biblical connection, is seen at 12 years old. - Guy Eisner

The tree, which the study authors believe may have a biblical connection, is seen at 12 years old. – Guy Eisner

Biblical tree?

Based on historical research, Sallon had a hunch that the tree might be the source of what ancient texts from the region, including the Bible, describe as “Judean Balsam” or “Balm of Gilead” — a fragrant resin harvested to make a coveted perfume that was exported around the world at the time.

“We planted it in 2010 (and) it’s now 2024. Why did we wait so long (to publish the research)? Because I wanted to make sure that it wasn’t the Judean Balsam. And how would I definitively know that? By smelling it,” Sallon said.

Yet the tree, which is related to the myrrh tree that’s famed for its resin, never gave off any kind of scent. Once the plant was more mature at around 3 years old, the team conducted a phytochemical analysis on its resin, leaves and branches to test for aromatic compounds, such as those found in myrrh. However, there were none, Sallon said.

Instead, the team detected some compounds known for their medicinal use, including “guggulterols,” which have been identified from the resin of the related tree species Commiphora wightii as having potential cancer-fighting properties, the study noted.

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“Based on all these things, it’s not the Judean balsam, it’s a close cousin of it, and one of the non-aromatic Commiphora that is a treasure chest of medicinal compounds,” she said.

Due to the presence of those healing compounds, Sallon and her colleagues concluded that the tree may have instead been the source of a medicinal balm known as tsori that is also mentioned in historical texts.

Seeds with such an incredible lifespan are rare, according to Dr. Louise Colville, senior research leader in seed and stress biology at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London. Colville wasn’t involved in the research.

“What’s surprising in this story is it was just a single seed and to be able to have one chance for that to germinate is extremely lucky,” she said.

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“Working in a seed bank, seeing the potential for that extreme longevity gives us hope that banking and storing seeds that some at least will survive for very long periods of time.”

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Travel

Six Senses’ New Wellness-Focused Resort is Slated for Pennsylvania

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(credit: Six Senses RiverStone Estate)

Six Senses RiverStone Estate marks the latest milestone in the brand’s thoughtful entry into the Americas market with a growing list of U.S. properties announced for locations including Telluride, South Carolina and Napa Valley. Situated on a sprawling wooded ridge, outside the quaint Western Pennsylvania town of Foxburg, just 90 minutes north of Pittsburgh, the resort will showcase Six Senses special brand of sustainable, wellness hospitality. At the confluence of the Allegheny and Clarion rivers, the 1,200 acre estate boasts a history dating back to the early 1800’s.

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Scheduled to open in 2028, the wellness-focused resort and branded residences feature 77 guest rooms and 40 residences and is anchored by a majestic three-story stone mansion. Carefully restored by the estate’s former owner, the late Dr. Art Steffee, the 13,000 sq. ft. stone mansion was first constructed in the 1820’s and is set alongside a Victorian carriage house designed by renowned Philadelphia architect Frank Furness. Blending an off-grid vibe with all the luxurious amenities, the comforts are modern and the property will feature a dynamic art program across multiple art disciplines.  

(credit: Six Senses RiverStone Estate)

Guests and owners will experience the Six Senses ethos of wellness and sustainability through their offerings and will be welcomed into a community for connection and reflection. “Six Senses RiverStone Estate will provide an enchanting canvas for new layers of wellness programming, creative cuisine, meaningful connections, and leaps of faith into new discoveries,” said Neil Jacobs, CEO, of Six Senses, which is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio.

From the over 50 miles of trails and seven miles of riverfront to the 16,000 sq. ft. Six Senses Spa, the country estate will promote wellness through all of its offerings. Guests can partake in leisurely hiking, biking and foraging or book a high-tech wellness experience or signature treatment at the Spa with scenic views. The property will also boast a 4,500 sq. ft. fitness center that will tackle everything from preparation to recovery for new and seasoned athletes. Outside the center, a 25-meter pool welcomes swimmers of all ages with a range of leisure programming and relaxed energy. On property is also an equestrian center which is home to a 22,000 sq. ft. indoor riding arena, 36 stalls with heated floors and quiet corners for an equine therapy program.

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(credit: Six Senses RiverStone Estate)

Wellness is extended as well to its food and beverage program as the cuisine will emphasize local and organic produce and game. Guests can indulge in house-made ice cream or dig into a jar of maple syrup produced onsite from the property’s 5,000+ maple trees. Along with its specialty restaurant, a central courtyard with smaller tasting bars and an Orchard Alley pop-up experience will provide additional dining options.

“Six Senses RiverStone Estate will be a peaceful refuge for guests to experience mental, physical and spiritual connection. We are stewards of the property for generations to come and share in the Six Senses ethos of sustainability, nurturing and conserving land, and revitalizing the Foxburg community. After spending time on this magical property, we knew we needed to share it with the world,” concluded Six Senses Riverstone Estate Ownership Partner, Saji Daniel.

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Chelsea thrash Gent to show the value of the Conference League

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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 03: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Chelsea FC and KAA Gent at Stamford Bridge on October 03, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Chelsea 4-2 Gent (Veiga 12′, Neto 46′, Nkunku 63′, Dewsbury-Hall 70’| Watanabe 50′, Gandelman 90′)

STAMFORD BRIDGE — As Christopher Nkunku launched Chelsea’s third goal through a Renaissance fresco of flailing bodies, Stamford Bridge morphed into a Coldplay concert.

30,000 fans in blue held their phones torches to the sky, united by an oddly beautiful idea, and took a deep breath.

“Who are ya, who are ya!”

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The dancing horde of Gent fans, who began singing 30 minutes before kick-off and didn’t stop, had had the temerity to celebrate their sole goal with a light show of their own. For all the gags about Chelsea’s slide into Europe’s third tier, you couldn’t say the home fans weren’t buying into the spirit of the Conference League.

The two-time Champions League winners are having fun again, with five consecutive wins cause for genuine optimism.

And given the last two years have been quite so draining and alienating and agonising, every night like this is a personal session of footballing therapy, a reminder this is supposed to be enjoyable. It may not have been hugely memorable, but it wasn’t complicated. That’ll do.

Enzo Maresca will undoubtedly find plenty to criticise in the performance, often sloppy and lackadaisical, but equally functional and without great trepidation. The first 30 minutes had the air of an exhibition game, with Chelsea afforded a degree of respect their name commands but their players largely didn’t.

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Fading after a positive start, Mykhailo Mudryk took an occasional break from standing on the touchline like a poorly-disguised Hollywood henchman to produce a slick first-time cross from the right wing for Renato Veiga’s first Chelsea goal.

Pedro Neto jolted about like an electric shock, a nuisance capped off by scoring a sweet half-volley just 39 seconds after half-time.

Nkunku was largely absent bar his goal, while this was Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s best performance since his move, capped off by scoring a sharp fourth. Conceding twice for the second consecutive game was an aide-memoire there’s still a lot of defensive work to do.

But overall, this was a sign that Europe’s third tier will provide opportunity for both fans and players to enjoy themselves, an odyssey from Astana to Armenia for the proliferation and preservation of vibes. If Uefa’s seeding holds any weight, this could well be Chelsea’s most difficult game of the entire competition.

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Fans are right to believe anything but a perfect run to the trophy is failure given Chelsea spent more this summer than every other Conference League club combined, but that’s missing a key point – sometimes this is allowed to be fun. The destination is a long way away. Just enjoy the journey for now.

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My Old Ass film review — Aubrey Plaza meets her younger self in slyly charming comedy

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For roughly a decade and a half, Aubrey Plaza has been one of the best things about American film and TV; she’s currently the main redeeming feature of Francis Ford Coppola’s preposterous Megalopolis. For years, she was a brilliant young supporting asset, the embodiment of cool disdain, with eyes that appeared to roll ironically even when they didn’t. Now she is eminent enough to be the star guest in someone else’s story: in My Old Ass, she drops by now and then as, essentially, the fairy godmother to her character’s younger self.

In Megan Park’s spiky but tender-hearted comedy, 18-year-old Elliott (Maisy Stella) is celebrating her last summer at home in rural Ontario before leaving for the city and the dazzling adventures that await. At first, her summer is defined by intense romance with another young woman, but then — one night guzzling mushroom tea — she meets her future 39-year-old self.

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This is a wiser, world-weary Elliott — and a softer than usual Plaza, whose nevertheless caustic aura leavens the script as she delivers such cosy wisdoms as, “The only thing you can’t get back is time.” Plaza carries it off gamely but with a characteristic air of disbelief. In a smart reversal, it’s left to Stella to make the wiseacre retorts.

Maisy Stella as Elliott

Older Elliott also has some urgent advice to impart from two decades hence: steer clear of someone called Chad. At which point, a rangy stranger by that name (Percy Hynes White) steps into view.

Set against a shimmering backdrop of water and woods, this turns out to be a sweetly philosophical coming-of-age story in which it’s the older self who comes of age, reconciling with her past and young Elliott’s future. It takes all of Plaza’s weird chanting inflections and Stella’s exuberantly twitchy enthusiasm to make it pay off — but it does, with sly charm.

★★★★☆

In cinemas from October 4

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Moment Rose's rescuers celebrate down the pub after 8 days grafting to free her from rock

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Moment Rose's rescuers celebrate down the pub after 8 days grafting to free her from rock


Rose is finally free!

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A Different Man review — a bravura tale of boy meets girl meets doppelgänger

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No one tell Joaquin Phoenix, but Joker: Folie à Deux is only the week’s second best psychodrama made with a pining for early 1980s New York. The actual winner of that contest is A Different Man, though you wouldn’t know it from the marketing. In the UK, Aaron Schimberg’s jagged black comedy is being released with fanfare so hushed, it may be audible only to bats. For those who do seek it out, the reward will be one of the most interesting films of the year: a singular tale of boy meets girl meets doppelgänger.

The first of the male characters is played by Adam Pearson, the actor whose genetic condition neurofibromatosis causes extensive facial tumours. (You might have seen him in Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin.) Pearson is British, but his character, Edward, is American: an actor too, though less successful. His face is the central fact of a life lived timidly in a cramped Manhattan walk-up while besotted with Ingrid, the wannabe playwright next door. (She is played by Renate Reinsve from 2022’s The Worst Person in the World.)

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The thought of a jobless actor and aspiring writer making the rent in New York feels wilfully dated: the ghost of a gamier version of the city, present too in scenes of exotic bar life and gags about Woody Allen. That stretch to reality also sets the tone for the turning point: an experimental medical process that “cures” Edward. (You can see the film as a less gory companion to last week’s feminist body horror The Substance.) 

The punchline is droll. An all-new Edward now emerges, played by Marvel actor Sebastian Stan. Yet even gifted with the features of a movie star, his aims stay modest. A job in real estate beckons.

But this is not the last we see of Pearson. That much is down to a bravura flip Schimberg gives the script, keeping us off balance while questions spark from the film. Are we made or self made? Does what we see in the mirror ever really change? Ticklish ideas keep coming in a grimly funny movie that can even be weirdly uplifting in its own skewed way. 

The story comes to focus on Ingrid’s debut play, drawn from Edward’s life. Cyrano de Bergerac is referenced, but in telling the tale of a disabled character, the movie is very much about itself. The surprise is how self-aware it can be without losing the attention of everyone else. Schimberg deserves credit, so too Stan and Reinsve — but it is Pearson who brings depth and delight to this peekaboo game of life and art.

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★★★★☆

In UK cinemas from October 4, and in US cinemas now

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My £450,000 lottery win has been slowly ruining my life – relatives I hate are gagging for cash

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My £450,000 lottery win has been slowly ruining my life - relatives I hate are gagging for cash

A LOTTERY winner who scooped a staggering £450,000 says it ruined her life.

The woman became bombarded by her family members who wanted a chunk of her cash.

The woman said her parents believed they deserved the money

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The woman said her parents believed they deserved the moneyCredit: Alamy

She explained how what first started as a dream come true became a living nightmare.

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“I never thought winning the lottery would be anything other than a dream come true,” she wrote on Reddit.

“But here I am, with more money than I ever imagined, and it feels like my life is falling apart.”

Her troubles first started with her boyfriend, who took it upon himself to decide what they would do with the cash.

read more on lottery winners

“I couldn’t believe my eyes—I had won £450,000. At first, I was in shock. I called my boyfriend, James, and he rushed over, equally ecstatic.

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“We were both over the moon, dreaming of what we could do with the money. But the dream quickly turned into a nightmare.”

She said James wanted to quit his job, buy a luxury car and invest in ‘risky’ ventures.

“When I suggested we take things slow and maybe talk to a financial advisor, he got defensive. He accused me of not trusting him and said I was trying to control everything,” she explained.

She won the staggering amount of money after buying a lottery ticket on a whim.

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I won $1m at 28 playing a lottery scratch-off – I swore I wouldn’t be a statistic & after 8 years I have nothing left-

It wasn’t until she saw the number draw on TV and realised she’d won.

The woman added: “Then my family got involved. My parents, who I’ve always had a strained relationship with, suddenly wanted to reconnect.

“They started dropping hints about their financial struggles and how they could use some help.”

After having issues with her parents, her sister also wanted a share of the winnings.

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“My sister, who’s always been jealous of me, outright demanded a share, saying she deserved it for all the times she ‘supported’ me. It felt like they were all looking at me differently, like I was just a bank to them now.”

Her boyfriend started to distance himself from her and they eventually split up.

The lottery winner said that when he moved out, he took some of the money with him as a “parting gift”.

At the time, her parents became “more aggressive” in their demands for the cash.

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Her mum and dad believed they were entitled to her winnings because they’d raised her.

“My sister called me greedy and accused me of abandoning my family. I felt trapped and overwhelmed, unable to make anyone happy,” the woman added.

“I’m alone with my fortune, but I’ve never felt poorer. My family is barely speaking to me, and I’ve lost someone I thought I’d spend my life with.

“I’ve hired a financial advisor and a therapist to help me navigate this new reality, but the emotional toll is immense.”

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