NPR: Excavations reveal sophisticated Mayan water filtration
A multidisciplinary team of UC researchers makes a startling find at Tikal
NPR's Weekend Edition talked to University of Cincinnati researchers about their amazing discovery that the ancient Maya created a sophisticated filtration system to keep drinking water clean.
A multidisciplinary team of biologists, anthropologists and geographers in UC's College of Arts and Sciences found evidence that the ancient Maya imported materials such as sand and zeolite for the express purpose of filtering water stored in the reservoirs that largely provided their only potable water during the dry season.
UC's findings were published this month in the journal Scientific Reports.
NPR host Scott Simon talked to one of the co-authors, UC biology professor David Lentz, about the team's discovery.
"The Maya were a very clever and inventive people. They had stunning architecture. They had beautiful sculptures. They were adept at astronomy. They had mathematics," Lentz said.
The project included lead author and UC associate professor of anthropology Kenneth Barnett Tankersley, UC geography professor Nicholas Dunning, UC assistant research professor Christopher Carr and UC professor emeritus of anthropology Vernon Scarborough.
Featured image at top: The ancient Maya city of Tikal. Photo/Jimmy Baum/Unsplash
UC biology professor David Lentz, pictured at UC's Center for Field Studies, talked to NPR's Weekend Edition about UC's startling discoveries about the ancient Maya. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II/UC Creative + Brand
Related Stories
Pocket-sized population threat
June 10, 2026
The Financial Times took a deep dive into why populations around the world continue to be on the decline. The publication cited new University of Cincinnati research as part of the investigation that looks at the fall of fertility in the digital era.
Patients with developmental disabilities may benefit with an integrated care model
June 9, 2026
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati and Ohio State University have found that adults with developmental disabilities who have integrated care were less likely to go to the emergency room or be hospitalized than others who were not. Their work was published in Disability and Health Journal.
Ohio recognizes colleges that support student veterans
June 8, 2026
Cleveland.com highlights an Ohio program that recognizes UC and other universities that provide support for student veterans.