Archaeologists have discovered ancient human footprints in northern Saudi Arabia that could rewrite our understanding of early human migrations. Discovered in 2017 at a site known as Alathar, in the Nefud Desert, these footprints are believed to be 115,000 years old, making them the oldest human footprints ever found in the Arabian Peninsula. Preserved in the bed of an ancient lake, they reveal a rare insight into a fleeting moment in the lives of Homo sapiens moving across a changing landscape.
The site also contained hundreds of animal tracks, suggesting it was a vital center for life during a temperate period in Earth’s history. Freshwater lakes like Alathar provided critical resources for humans and migrating animals, creating natural corridors that shaped their journeys.
How did these footprints survive for 115,000 years?
The conservation of traces dating back more than a hundred millennia requires extraordinary conditions. Studies of modern footprints in mud reveal that they degrade in a matter of days, but remain intact. Layers of sediment covered the footprints soon after they were formed, protecting them from erosion and preserving intricate details that provide valuable information to scientists.
What makes these findings even more compelling is their clear link to Homo sapiens. Archaeologists noted that Neanderthals, another early human species, were absent from this region during the time the footprints were created. Furthermore, the size and shape of the footprints match those of early modern humans, making a strong argument in favor of their origin.
A prehistoric migratory route
The Alathar Lake bed was probably part of a migration route that extended across the Arabian Peninsula during the last interglacial period. As the climate changed, temporary freshwater lakes became essential stopovers for both humans and animals. This region may have served as a brief refuge for early humans before harsher conditions forced them to continue their journey.
Curiously, the site lacks evidence of prolonged human activity. No tools or signs of hunting were found, suggesting that early Homo sapiens visited the lake briefly to replenish their water reserves. Their fleeting presence is captured in these footprints, which now serve as a rare snapshot of prehistoric life.
The discovery of the Alathar footprints offers more than just evidence of ancient human migration: it provides a tangible connection to our ancestors. These footprints tell the story of resilience and adaptation as humans ventured into difficult environments.
The footprints, preserved thanks to unique geological conditions, show that even the most ephemeral traces can endure over time. This extraordinary find not only deepens our understanding of human history, but also highlights the fundamental role of natural landscapes in shaping our past.
Review: Top 10 Cloud Services in the USA
Cloud computing has transformed how businesses operate, offering scalable, secure, and cost-effective solutions for storage, computing, and application management. The U.S. leads the global cloud market, with providers delivering innovative services tailored to startups, enterprises, and everything in between. Below is a comprehensive review of the top 10 cloud service providers in the USA for 2025, based on market share, service offerings, and customer feedback.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)AWS dominates with a 31% global market share, generating $24.2 billion in Q4 2023 revenue. It offers over 200 services, including compute (EC2), storage (S3), AI (SageMaker), and analytics. AWS’s 33 regions and 105 availability zones ensure low latency and high reliability. Its pay-as-you-go pricing starts at ~$0.0832/hour for a t3.large instance (2 vCPUs, 8GB RAM). Ideal for businesses needing scalability and cutting-edge AI tools.
Microsoft AzureAzure holds a 24% market share and is the fastest-growing major provider, with 30% revenue growth in 2023. It offers 200+ services, including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, with strengths in AI, IoT, and enterprise integration. Azure’s pricing for a 2 vCPU, 8GB RAM instance (D2s v3) starts at ~$0.096/hour. Its hybrid cloud solutions and Microsoft ecosystem make it a top choice for enterprises.
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)GCP, with an 11.5% market share, excels in AI, machine learning (TensorFlow, BigQuery), and data analytics. It offers 150+ services across 24 regions and 73 zones. Pricing for an e2-standard-2 instance (2 vCPUs, 8GB RAM) starts at ~$0.070/hour, with up to 57% discounts for committed use. GCP is favored by data-driven businesses and developers.
IBM CloudIBM Cloud provides IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS with a focus on enterprise-grade security, AI (Watson), and hybrid/multi-cloud deployments. It serves industries like healthcare and finance, offering 170+ services. Pricing varies, but its pay-as-you-go model is competitive. IBM’s strong partner ecosystem and AIOps solutions enhance business transformation.
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)Oracle Cloud is gaining traction with its high-performance computing and database services. It offers cost-effective pricing, with a free tier and discounts for committed use. OCI’s focus on enterprise applications, like ERP and CRM, makes it ideal for large organizations. Its global network includes 40+ regions.
DigitalOceanDigitalOcean targets startups and developers with simple, affordable cloud hosting. Plans start at $2.50/month for 0.5GB RAM, 10GB storage, and 1 vCPU. Its managed databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and monitoring tools ensure reliability. DigitalOcean’s free credits and Hatch program support early-stage businesses.
VMware CloudVMware, now under Broadcom, specializes in multi-cloud and hybrid cloud solutions. It supports AWS, Azure, and GCP, offering consistent management across environments. VMware’s virtualization expertise and low-cost migration tools make it a top pick for enterprises modernizing data centers.
SalesforceSalesforce focuses on cloud-based CRM and customer service solutions. Its Service Cloud automates workflows and integrates with AI for personalized customer experiences. With 1.5 million users, it’s a leader for businesses prioritizing customer engagement. Pricing is subscription-based, tailored to business size.
CloudflareCloudflare is a CDN and security-focused provider, offering DDoS protection, DNS, and content delivery. Its user-friendly interface and integrations with WordPress and Shopify appeal to businesses needing fast, secure web performance. Pricing includes a free tier and pay-as-you-go plans.
Linode (Akamai) Linode, acquired by Akamai, offers developer-friendly cloud hosting with transparent pricing and a free tier. It integrates with Akamai’s CDN for enhanced performance. Plans start at $5/month for 1GB RAM, 25GB storage, and 1 vCPU. Linode is ideal for SMBs and tech-savvy users.
Choosing the Right Provider
Selecting a cloud provider depends on your needs: AWS, Azure, and GCP dominate for scalability and enterprise solutions; DigitalOcean and Linode cater to startups; Salesforce excels in CRM; and Cloudflare prioritizes web performance. Compare pricing, scalability, and security features. Check reviews on platforms like Gartner or Forbes Cloud 100 for insights. As cloud spending grows (projected at $591.8 billion in 2023), ensure your choice aligns with long-term goals.
