A group of researchers conducted a re-analysis of the mummies of three individuals sacrificed by the Incas during the Capacocha ritual. The analysis managed to refute previous assumptions that the cause of death for the girls from Cerro Esmeralda mountain was suffocation, although the exact cause of their demise could not be determined.
However, scientists confirmed that the boy known as 'Prince Plomo' from Cerro el Plomo mountain sustained a fatal head injury. This injury was inflicted by a blunt object, presumed to be a stone mace. All three mummies date to the 15th century AD according to new dating. The results of this study were published in the scientific journal Science Advances.
Ritual human sacrifices were practiced in various ancient cultures, including the Incas, whose empire existed in South America until the 16th century. One of the most famous such rites was Capacocha, which was performed during significant state events, such as the death of a ruler, a military victory, or a natural disaster. The ritual involved selecting children, adolescents, or young girls from different parts of the empire, transporting them to Cusco, where priests prepared for the sacrifice. Afterward, the victims were sent on a long foot journey to sacred places on the peaks of mountains and volcanoes, where they were either killed or left to die.
Veronica Silva-Pinto from the University of Valencia and her colleagues working in Austria, the UK, Germany, Spain, Chile, and South Africa presented data on the three Capacocha victims, whose mummies were found in Chile. Two mummies were discovered on Cerro Esmeralda mountain in northern Chile back in 1976; they belonged to a girl aged about 9–10 years and a girl aged approximately 18–19 years. The third mummy, the remains of a boy nicknamed Prince Plomo, was found in central Chile on Cerro el Plomo mountain in 1954, at an altitude of about 5400 meters above sea level. This boy was about 8–9 years old.
To study these victims, scientists conducted a comprehensive analysis: they examined the isotopic composition of hair, performed dermatoscopic examination of the skin, used computed tomography, and applied radiocarbon dating. Radiocarbon dating showed that all three individuals could have lived around the same time—in the 15th century. The average dates of death for the girls from Cerro Esmeralda mountain were 1440 and 1450 AD, and for the boy from Cerro el Plomo mountain—1480 AD. It was noted that previously established dates based on clothing were 100–160 radiocarbon years older, which may be related to the use of textiles in rituals that were significantly older than the victims themselves.
Multielemental hair analysis confirmed that all children and girls undertook long foot journeys before death. The little girl from Cerro Esmeralda mountain presumably traveled between 900 and 1200 kilometers over about five months. The girl covered a similar distance but slightly faster—in about two months. Prince Plomo traveled the longest distance, covering between 2600 and 2800 kilometers over nine months. It is assumed that local communities met the group during this pilgrimage and provided them with provisions.
It was previously believed that the girl and the girl from Cerro Esmeralda mountain were strangled using a noose, based on the presence of strangulation grooves on their necks. However, the new research showed that these marks likely have a different origin, and there are no signs of mechanical asphyxia on the mummies, although the true cause of death remains unknown. At the same time, scientists confirmed that the boy from Cerro el Plomo mountain received a severe blow to the frontal bone from a blunt object. Furthermore, CT scans revealed food residue on the child's clothing, which is likely a result of vomiting induced by acute traumatic brain injury. As part of the Capacocha ritual, the Incas administered hallucinogenic substances to the victims; analysis of the hair and nails of the boy and girl sacrificed on Mount Ampato (Peru) showed the use of coca and ayahuasca in the final weeks of their lives.
Separately, British researchers analyzed human remains found on the English island of Wight during excavations of a Roman villa. They concluded that the scattered bones of several people might be linked to one or more violent incidents that occurred between 250 and 400 AD. One hypothesis suggests that the villa residents may have been affected during the harsh repression by Emperor Constantius II against former supporters of the usurper Magnentius. This information is presented in an article published in the journal Britannia.
GMC has unveiled the 2027 lineup for the Hummer EV, presenting a special edition called Icon 25 (officially spelled as “ICON | 25”). This edition was conceived to mark the 25th anniversary of the Hummer name.
The anniversary series directly references the Hummer H2, which was launched in 2002 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This model, known for its imposing proportions and characteristic yellow hue, became an icon of its time, and this heritage is what the Icon 25 version seeks to revive.
Available in both SUV and pickup configurations, and offered in 2X or 3X versions, the major highlight of the Icon 25 is the yellow paint inspired by the original H2, a color that received the name “ICON.” The design is finished with a black front shield on the bumper, contrasting with a Jet Black interior scheme.
To emphasize its exclusive nature, each Icon 25 vehicle receives a numbered plaque on the dashboard, along with specific animations in the multimedia system that refer to classic Hummer models, and a commemorative collectible gift. Although GMC has not confirmed the total production volume, images of the numbered plaque suggest a limited run of 250 units, without specifying whether this number covers pickups and SUVs together or separately.
In addition to the nostalgic aesthetic, the 2027 Hummer electric lineup incorporates significant functional improvements. One of the most important is the adoption of the NACS charging standard, used by Tesla, as standard equipment across the entire line, allowing direct access to the Supercharger network without adapters. Bidirectional charging capability has been maintained, enabling the vehicle to act as a home energy source during power outages, provided it is used with the PowerShift charger and the GM Energy V2H kit.
The model year also introduces five new colors (including ICON) and two new 22-inch wheel designs. In terms of off-road capability, the Hummer EV retains features such as rear-axle steering, CrabWalk and King Crab modes, the adaptive Air Ride suspension, and Extract Mode, which raises the body by approximately 15 cm to overcome obstacles. The Super Cruise semi-autonomous driver, the Infinity roof with removable panels, and up to 18 cameras on the pickup remain available.
At the top of the line, the 3X pickup model can reach an impressive 1,176 hp, according to GM estimates, achieving 0 to 96 km/h in just 2.8 seconds when equipped with the optional 24-module battery.
Production of the Icon 25 and the 2027 lineup is scheduled to begin this year at the Factory ZERO plants located in Detroit and Hamtramck. The model will be sold in the United States and Canada, although sales prices are only expected closer to the start of production. However, the arrival of this commemorative edition comes at a challenging time, as Hummer EV sales registered a drop of about 55% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, reflecting a cooling demand for high-value electric pickups in the United States.
Amazon has made a selection of Fire TV Sticks available on promotion, allowing users to upgrade their televisions to the world of streaming or enhance their existing viewing experience. Three distinct options were presented, catering to various needs, from basic HD models to 4K versions with Dolby Vision support. All devices offer Alexa voice control functionality.
The latest model of the Fire TV Stick HD has received a significant update: it is now powered directly by the television, eliminating the need for an external power supply. Its configuration is simplified, and the remote control allows voice commands through Alexa, in addition to offering early access to Alexa+, the most advanced version of the Amazon assistant.
This enhanced Fire TV Stick HD includes a more robust remote control, which integrates essential TV commands, such as volume adjustment and power on/off, along with shortcuts for home automation. It transmits content in HD definition, making it an economical entry point for those who wish to enjoy major streaming services without major complications.
For consumers seeking the highest quality in both picture and sound, the Fire TV Stick 4K is recommended. This model supports Dolby Vision, providing richer colors and contrast in images, and Dolby Atmos, ensuring an immersive sound experience. Additionally, it has Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, ensuring a faster and more stable connection. Like the HD model, it also grants early access to Alexa+.
Due to stock variations during promotional periods, interested parties are advised to visit the available links immediately to secure the model that best suits their requirements. Regardless of whether the goal is to modernize an old TV or elevate the quality to 4K, there is an alternative for every type of user.
Max von Werz Arquitectos, working in partnership with Maurici Mesta Arquitectos, conceived the museography project for the exhibition titled Constellations and Drifts: Art of Latin America, which features works from the FEMSA Collection.
The show officially opened on March 19, 2026. The exhibition venue is the Museum of Contemporary Art of Monterrey (MARCO). Visitors can appreciate the exhibition until August 9, 2026.
