DAVID ADAMS provides a round-up of some stories on the odder side of life…
The original manuscript of ‘La francesa Laura’ (‘The Frenchwoman Laura’), that artificial intelligence attributes to Spanish classical author Lope de Vega, at the National Library of Spain, in Madrid, Spain, on 31st January, 2023. PICTURE: Reuters/Juan Medina
• Artificial intelligence technology used to transcribe anonymous historic works at Spain’s National Library archives has uncovered a hidden gem – a previously unknown play by one of the nation’s greatest authors, Felix Lope de Vega. The National Library said on Tuesday experts later confirmed that the Baroque playwright and one of the most prominent names of the Spanish Golden Age wrote La francesa Laura (The Frenchwoman Laura) a few years before his death in 1635. The manuscript stored in the library’s archives is a copy that dates back to the late 17th century, long after the author of Fuente Ovejuna and The Knight from Olmedo had died. Researchers from Vienna and Valladolid universities used AI to transcribe 1,300 anonymous manuscripts and books at the library, saving years of human effort, and also tried to discover their authorship by checking each work against a selection of words used by different writers. The National Library said the words used in the text were “closely aligned with Lope’s, and not with those of the other 350 playwrights who were part of the experiment”. Experts then used traditional philological research resources to corroborate the findings. “Frenchwoman Laura is a remarkable play, with the dramatic force expected of a mature Lope de Vega,” the library said. The plot, set in France, focuses around Laura, the daughter of the Duke of Brittany and wife to Count Arnaldo. The heir to the French throne is captivated by her, and although she rejects him, her jealous husband tries to poison her. Ultimately, Laura’s righteousness is proven and happiness is restored. Gredos publishing house will release the book in Spanish in the coming months. – EMMA PINEDO/Reuters
• A new museum and conservation centre dedicated to Mexico’s critically endangered axolotl salamander is highlighting the amphibian’s remarkable story that has captured the attention of scientists and the public alike. With an impressive ability to heal itself, the axolotl (pronounced ah-sho-LO-tul) salamanders were showcased in the exhibit, which opened on Saturday, at Mexico City’s Chapultepec Zoo. The centre aims to raise awareness of the animal, native only to Mexico and which is dwindling in the wild due to dire threats to its natural habitat. For decades, researchers have marvelled at how the axolotl can regenerate amputated limbs and damaged body tissue, even its heart and brain. Scientists also documented its ability to breathe with lungs and gills, as well as absorb oxygen through its skin, making it particularly vulnerable to polluted water. “They are one of the few animals that can regenerate their skin, muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves, heart, brain,” said Fernando Gual, head of wild fauna conservation at the zoo. “A hugely important part of this space is environmental education,” Gual said of the new museum’s exhibits, workshops and labs. – ALBERTO FAJARDO/Reuters
Italian twins Francesca and Maria Ricciardi . PICTURE: Screenshot via Reuters
• Turning 100-years-old is already quite an achievement, but Italian twins Francesca and Maria Ricciardi went one step further, celebrating their ‘200th’ birthday. On 23rd January, relatives and 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren celebrated the centenary twins with a big birthday cake with a ‘200’ written on it. Francesca Ricciardi said she didn’t imagine they would live this long. “It’s a gift from the Lord to get to this age. With the life we had, we could never have made it to 100-years-old,” she said. Among the guests, was the mayor of Anzano di Puglia Paolo Lavanga, also a grandson of the two. Francesca and Maria always worked in the fields as farmers and as embroiderers and never moved from their small village. – Reuters TV
