Ancient Egyptian Queen: Mummy of Queen Nefertiti Brought to Life with Controversial Light Skin in 3D Scan

| Archeaology
October 16, 2024

The face of Queen Nefertiti, who may have been King Tut’s biological mother, will be revealed on the Travel Channel’s Expedition Unknown, airing Wednesday night. The face is the result of the latest 3-D imaging technology that used the mummy’s facial structure to bring the 3,400-year-old queen to life, but it is the sculpture’s skin color, not its cheekbones, that has generated the most controversy.

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To create the bust of the ancient queen, a team of scientists at the University of Bristol in England digitally mapped the face of a mummy known as “The Younger Lady.” The mummy was found in 1898 and is believed to belong to Queen Nefertiti, but this was never proven. The mummy’s face was then digitally mapped to create an accurate facial construct for the bust. Paleoartist Elisabeth Daynes then recreated the Queen’s face on the bust, a painstaking process that took around 500 hours of work, a statement on the TV show reported. By comparing the bust to historical images of Nefertiti, the researchers were able to prove that the “Younger Lady” mummy was indeed the famous queen.

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“This extraordinary face appears to be consistent with ancient depictions of Nefertiti,” Aidan Dodson, an Egyptologist at the University of Bristol who was involved in the project, said in a statement. “It is extraordinary. Taken together with the latest readout of the genetic data, this provides us with really exciting evidence that the Younger Lady mummy is none other than Queen Nefertiti herself.”

The programme focuses on investigating three of the most powerful women in ancient Egyptian history: Hatshepsut, Cleopatra and Nefertiti, a statement on the programme said.

Related: Ancient Egyptian pyramidion found next to largest obelisk hints at existence of lost queen’s chamber

According to The History Channel, Nefertiti was queen from 1353 to 1336 BC and may have even ruled Egypt after the death of her husband, Pharaoh Akhenaten. Her full name, Neferneferuaten, means “beautiful are the beauties of the Aten, a beautiful woman has come,” a tribute to both the chief Egyptian god Aten and the queen’s renowned beauty.

The 3D images were only able to copy the mummy’s facial structure, other features such as skin and eye colour were up to the artist’s interpretation. Many soon took to Twitter angry at the artist’s decision to make Nefertiti so light-skinned.

Since Nefertiti lived long before the age of photography, there is no way to know the exact skin tone of the ancient queen, although the most famous bust depicting the queen, believed to have been created in 1345 BC, depicts a darker monarch.

Regardless of the skin tone controversy, the new bust is being celebrated for its detail in other aspects of accuracy, such as the depiction of the queen’s muscle tone and the depth of her skin tissue. Combined, these details reveal the face of one of the most influential and well-known women in world history.

The facial reconstruction of the “Younger Lady” mummy next to a three-dimensional replica of her head created from a digital mapping photograph by Elisabeth Daynès in collaboration with Travel Channel’s “Expedition Unknown” and Josh Gates. Photo courtesy of Travel Channel.

Review: Top 10 Healthcare Services in the USA

The U.S. healthcare industry is a complex ecosystem of providers, insurers, and technology-driven services, delivering critical care to millions. In 2025, the sector is shaped by rising costs (projected at $4.9 trillion in 2023), technological innovation, and a focus on patient-centric care. Below is a detailed review of the top 10 healthcare services in the USA, based on market presence, patient outcomes, and industry impact.

1. HCA Healthcare

HCA Healthcare, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is the largest health system, operating 220 hospitals and over 40,000 staffed beds across 20 states. Known for comprehensive services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialty treatments, it generates significant net patient revenue. Its scale and advanced technology adoption ensure high-quality care, though accessibility varies by region.

2. Universal Health Services (UHS)

UHS manages 183 hospitals across 40 states, with over 21,000 beds, focusing on acute care and behavioral health. Its facilities in Texas, Florida, and California provide diverse services, from trauma care to psychiatric treatment. UHS’s emphasis on mental health integration aligns with 2025 trends, though high costs can be a barrier.

3. Encompass Health Corporation

With 164 hospitals, Encompass is the largest operator of rehabilitation hospitals, offering specialized post-acute care for stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury patients. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, it operates in 37 states, delivering measurable outcomes through therapy-focused programs. Its niche focus limits broader service scope.

4. CommonSpirit Health

A Catholic-affiliated system with 142 hospitals, CommonSpirit provides acute care, outpatient services, and telehealth across 21 states. It excels in community health programs and equitable access, serving underserved populations. Its integration of AI for diagnostics enhances efficiency, but merger-related challenges can affect consistency.

5. Ascension Health

Ascension operates 139 hospitals, focusing on primary care, oncology, and cardiology. With a mission-driven approach, it serves low-income communities through charity care programs. Its adoption of value-based care (VBC) models, projected to cover 90 million lives by 2027, improves outcomes but faces staffing shortages.

6. Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is a leading integrated healthcare provider, combining insurance and care delivery for 12.5 million members. Its ACA marketplace plans are top-rated for affordability and quality, with low deductibles and strong preventive care. Operating in eight states, its HMO model ensures coordinated care but limits patient choice.

7. Aetna (CVS Health)

Aetna, under CVS Health, provides health insurance and healthcare services, covering 39 million lives. Its ACA plans offer competitive premiums and broad networks, with telehealth and pharmacy integration via CVS. Aetna’s focus on chronic disease management and AI-driven care navigation boosts outcomes, though rural access is limited.

8. Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic, based in Rochester, Minnesota, is renowned for specialized care in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. With 70,000 staff and three major campuses, it serves 1.3 million patients annually. Its research-driven approach and high patient satisfaction earn it top rankings, but costs and geographic reach are drawbacks.

9. Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic, with 23 hospitals, is a leader in cardiac care and medical innovation, serving patients across Ohio, Florida, and Nevada. Its adoption of cloud computing and AI for diagnostics enhances precision medicine. High costs and limited national presence restrict accessibility for some.

10. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

BCBS, a federation of 34 independent companies, insures 115 million Americans, offering PPO, HMO, and EPO plans. Its ACA marketplace plans are widely available, with strong provider networks and wellness programs. BCBS’s focus on digital health tools and equitable access is notable, though premiums vary by state.

Choosing the Right Service

Selecting a healthcare service depends on location, medical needs, and budget. HCA and UHS offer broad hospital-based care, while Kaiser and Aetna excel in integrated insurance and delivery. Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are ideal for specialized treatments, and BCBS provides flexible insurance options. Compare costs (e.g., average ACA premium: $635/month), provider networks, and patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or U.S. News. With 26 million uninsured Americans and rising costs, prioritize services with telehealth, preventive care, and VBC to maximize value.

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