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A Michelangelo scribble that was originally estimated to be worth $8,000 has fetched over $200,000 at a Christie’s auction in New York.

The artwork was found behind a frame and features a marble block sketch with the Italian word “simile” or “similar” in English. It’s believed that Michelangelo drew it while working on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, according to a Christie’s specialist.

The piece was accompanied by a 1836 letter from Michelangelo’s descendant to Sir John Bowring. Despite its unsigned status, research confirmed Michelangelo’s authorship, and its buyer is currently unknown.

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Blake, Wm. Elegy Written in a Country Church Yard. 1797.

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A Peruvian farmer has reportedly reached 124 years of age, challenging the current Guinness World Record for the oldest living man. Peru is contesting the title that was awarded to a 111-year-old man from the U.K.

The man, Marcelino Abad Tolentino, celebrated his 124th birthday in April, as recorded in his government-issued identification. Peruvian officials assert that his tranquil rural lifestyle in Huanuco has contributed significantly to his longevity.

Peru is pushing for Guinness World Records to validate Tolentino's age and officially recognize him as the oldest living person. This would surpass the recognized lifespan of Jeanne Calment, who lived to 122.

Tolentino was unrecognized until 2019 when he first received government identification and a pension.

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Blake, Wm. The Nativity. 1799.

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Scientists are testing an artificial womb using pig fetuses, aimed at improving survival rates for extremely premature human babies. The “biobag” mimics the natural conditions of the womb, allowing the fetus to continue developing outside the mother’s body.

The Toronto research team is working towards applying this technology to human infants in the future.

Researcher: “If this artificial womb technology could sustain a patient even for a period of weeks and get them to a later stage and a bigger size, that could potentially be quite a dramatic change in our field.”

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Blake, Wm. A Sunshine Holiday, object 4. 1816.

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Wealthy travelers are opting for “longevity vacations” blending traditional relaxation with advanced medical treatments.

These vacations include expensive therapies like vitamin IV drips and ozone therapy, seeking to extend health and longevity. Resorts and wellness centers offer a variety of treatments from biological age testing and stem-cell therapy, with some packages costing tens of thousands.

While some treatments offer short-term benefits like reduced stress, medical experts advise caution. They warn that many offerings aren’t FDA-approved and could pose health risks, suggesting that the benefits may often be no more than a placebo effect.

An enthusiast: “You’re making investments in your wellness, your health, your body.”