Posts by Madeleine Muzdakis

Madeleine Muzdakis

Madeleine Muzdakis is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and a historian of early modern Britain & the Atlantic world. She holds a BA in History and Mathematics from Brown University and an MA in European & Russian Studies from Yale University. Madeleine has worked in archives and museums for years with a particular focus on photography and arts education. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys hiking, film photography, and studying law while cuddling with her cat Georgia.
Science
March 31, 2023

Genius Teens Discover New Proofs for the Pythagorean Theorem

In school, all students are taught the Pythagorean Theorem at some point. It is an ancient formula—named after sixth-century BCE Greek mathematician Pythagoras—which historians believe was independently developed in different ways across the ancient world in Mesopotamia, India, and Egypt. Building on ancient proofs of the theorem, mathematicians over the past two millennia have developed around 350 proofs to show its validity.

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Renaissance Art
March 24, 2023

Couple Renovating Their Kitchen Discovers 400-Year-Old Paintings Hidden Underneath

In the north of England, a young couple and their dog moved out of their flat in December 2022 to allow workers to come in and remodel their kitchen. Luke Budworth, 29, and Hazel Mooney, 26, were then surprised by a call from one of the workmen asking about a painting behind the cabinets. They had not previously known of its existence.

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Animals
March 19, 2023

Paleontologists Discover Fossil of an Enormous 340-Pound Penguin in New Zealand

Penguins are fascinating creatures. They come in a variety of sizes, live in diverse habitats, and are undeniably adorable. The penguin species of the past were no less interesting. A recent paper in the Journal of Paleontology has announced the discovery of the biggest ancient penguin yet, a 340-pound behemoth that frolicked around New Zealand more than 50 million years ago.

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Health
March 17, 2023

Vitamin D Supplements May Help Reduce Risk of Suicide Among Veterans

Many experts say to go outside and take in some sunshine (with appropriate sunscreen) for your health. This advice is likely founded in a concern for vitamin D levels. Humans get this necessary nutrient from exposing their skin to the sun, and then our skin produces vitamin D. A deficiency of vitamin D can damage bone health and may even impact mental health.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.