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Scientists Identify Earth's Oldest Flowering Plant

The fossil species is called Montsechia vidalii. It lived approximately 125 to 130 million years ago, in the Cretaceous period. Remains of Montsechia vidalii were first discovered over 100 years ago in limestone deposits in the Pyrenees and Iberian Mountains in Spain. Unfortunately, they were misinterpreted. Botanists failed to recognize their significance.

Icebreaker Arktika becomes the first surface ship to reach the North Pole

Arktika is a retired nuclear-powered icebreaker of the Soviet Arktika class. In service from 1975 to 2008, she was the first surface ship to reach the North Pole, a feat achieved in 1977 during an expedition dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the Great October.

British archaeologist John Marshall dies

He served as a Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India from 1902 to 1928 and oversaw the excavations of Harappa and Mohenjodaro. These two cities belonged to the Indus Valley Civilisation. Along with Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, it was one of cradles of civilised society and the most widespread one.

Bridget Driscoll became the first recorded case of a pedestrian killed

As 44-year-old Driscoll, with her teenage daughter May and her friend Elizabeth Murphy, crossed Dolphin Terrace in the grounds of the Crystal Palace in London, Driscoll was struck by a car belonging to the Anglo-French Motor Carriage Company that was being used to give demonstration rides.

Electric car starter is patented

Before the invention of the electric starter, engines were started by a removable crank handle. It was romantic but also difficult and dangerous. The behaviour of an engine during starting is not always predictable. It can kick back. This could cause a violent jerk, which can lead to the injury of the operator.

The world's first steamboat Clermont makes its maiden voyage

The steamer's inaugural run was helmed by Captain Andrew Brink, and left New York in 1807, with a complement of invited guests aboard. They arrived in Albany two days later, after 32 hours of travel time and a 20-hour stop at Livingston's estate, Clermont Manor. The return trip was completed in 30 hours with only a one-hour stop at Clermont.

Anniversaries of the (in)famous