Girl’s Mammoth Find: 2 Million Years in Barley
An 8-year-old girl discovered the bones of a woolly mammoth and a prehistoric bison after a landslide on the banks of a river in western Russia. An 8-year-old girl in Russia discovered a set of mammoth leg bones as well as a vertebra from a prehistoric bison while fishing with her father on the banks of the Oka River near Novinki in western Russia.
According to translated Russian news, Maryam Mirsaitova noticed a number of strange objects that had become trapped near a recent landslide. Her father sent photographs to the nearby Nizhny Novgorod Museum-Reserve in the hope that researchers could identify his discoveries.
It turned out that he had found the condyle, or knee joint, and the underside of the thumb of a woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius). The bones were reasonably well preserved, with spongy tissue exposed by degradation in the sediment. The size of the bones indicated that they belonged to a large adult mammoth. The researchers suggested that the animal probably lived about 100,000 years ago.
Woolly mammoths were common in the cold regions of northern Europe and Asia beginning about 700,000 years ago, and later in northern North America about 100,000 years ago. In the region where Maryam found the fossils, mammoths likely persisted until about 10,000 years ago, when the end of the Ice Age caused these cold-adapted megafauna to lose their habitat and food sources. Human intervention may have hastened their extinction.
Relict populations lived on Wrangel Island in Russia until about 4,000 years ago, where they became isolated and probably disappeared due to the effects of inbreeding.
Russia is rich in mammoth fossils, especially in Siberia. Some specimens have even been mummified, as a result of the freezing environmental conditions that slow down decomposition. It is noteworthy that in 2007 a mummified baby mammoth was discovered on the Yamal Peninsula, which was later named Lyuba.
Maryam’s finds also included a vertebra from what is likely a steppe bison (Bison priscus), which thrived in Europe, Asia and North America during the Pleistocene epoch (2.6 million to 11,700 years ago). It is an ancestor of the modern European bison (Bison bonasus) and American bison (Bison bison).
In a translated post on VK, the Nizhny Novgorod Museum-Reserve said Maryam had also found a bone belonging to an animal that has not yet been identified. Museum staff urged other people who find fossils to come forward and report it to scientific institutions. Many fossils end up in private hands and are therefore unavailable for study. Lyuba, for example, was exchanged by the cousin of the reindeer breeder who discovered her for a pair of snowmobiles. She was later recovered by police, then transferred to a Russian museum, and then travelled the world as part of an exhibition on mammoths.
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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