Juukan Cave’s Devil’s Tooth: A Startling Find

| Mysterious
October 14, 2024

A Tasmanian devil tooth, artefacts and braided hair are among the “mind-blowing” finds from excavations of 46,000-year-old indigenous rock shelters in Western Australia destroyed by mining.

The Juukan Gorge caves in the Pilbara were blown up in May 2020 by Rio Tinto, devastating traditional custodians and causing global outrage.

Re-excavations of the Juukan-2 rock shelter have been underway for almost two years.

The work has unearthed braided human hair, a Tasmanian devil tooth, shell beads, resin-bound quartz artifacts, and several special crescent-shaped stone artifacts.

Puutu Kunti Kurrama (PKK) Land Committee chair Burchell Hayes said the findings further demonstrate the extreme cultural and scientific importance of Juukan Gorge.

“These important discoveries… have the potential to rewrite what we know about the Pilbara’s deep past,” he said on Tuesday.

Excavations in 2008 and 2014 uncovered 5,000-year-old braided human hair, a sharpened kangaroo bone, and thousands of other important cultural materials.

Excavation director and associate professor Michael Slack said some of the individual items excavated were enough to make the site very significant.

“The fact that we have a collection of these items from a small part of the planned excavation proves what the PKK people have been saying all along: that this is a very special and important place,” he said.

Breaking: Devil's Tooth Found in Shocking Discovery at Juukan Cave Site!

Professor Slack said there was no previous physical evidence of Tasmanian devils living in the Pilbara and the last evidence of the marsupial existing in WA was in the south-west of the state, 3000 years ago.

“We excavated a really diverse range of artifacts in 2014 and we have added more rare artifacts to the assemblage through this excavation, such as the shell bead,” he said.

“Finding this is evidence that people who lived here visited or traded with people who lived on the coast hundreds of miles away.”

The Puutu Kunti Kurrama Pinikura Aboriginal Corporation is working with Rio Tinto to rehabilitate the land.

“We weren’t sure how extensive the damage was until we got to work,” said the corporation’s director of land and heritage management, Jordan Ralph.

“While the rock shelter structure was destroyed, it is pleasing to see that the archaeological deposit is largely intact and was not significantly disturbed by the explosion.”

The new excavation has focused on approximately a quarter of the shelter floor in an area that had not been previously worked.

The project is expected to last at least another 12 months, with the latest findings to be presented at the Society for American Archaeology conference in New Orleans this weekend.

The cave’s destruction prompted an apology from Rio Tinto, a parliamentary inquiry and new Aboriginal heritage laws in WA.

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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