A team of researchers has uncovered well-dated human fossils in southern China, pushing back the known emergence of modern humans by at least 60,000 years. The discovery indicates that early modern humans co-existed with late archaic humans for tens of millennia across Eurasia.
New research suggests that massive volcanic eruptions led to the extinction of Neanderthals, causing a dramatic climate shift that devastated ecosystems. The study, published in Current Anthropology, proposes that the eruption cleared the way for modern humans to thrive in Europe and Asia.
Researchers found that male bonobos with high social status have greater mating success, while mothers' support enhances their sons' chances of impressing females. This study suggests a unique kinship system where mothers play a crucial role in promoting female reproductive success and potentially increasing the number of grandchildren.
The study found that the African wild ass is the living ancestor of today's domestic donkeys and that a subspecies called the Nubian wild ass may still exist. Researchers used mitochondrial DNA samples from living animals, skeletons, and archaeological sites to trace the family trees of the domestic donkey.
Paleoanthropologist Pat Shipman suggests that humans' ability to nurture other animal species contributed to the development of language and tool-making, ultimately leading to domestication. This 'animal connection' allowed early humans to develop a system of communication and observation, which became increasingly advantageous over time.
Janice Morse was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame for her extensive contributions to nursing research, particularly in the areas of suffering and comforting. With over 370 publications and numerous awards, Dr. Morse has had a profound impact on the profession.
Researchers found that tanning is a response to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation, particularly in middle and high latitudes. This adaptation helps protect humans from harmful effects of sunlight, including vitamin D deficiency and folate destruction.
A 10-year study of a chimp community in Uganda found that chimpanzees violently kill individuals from neighboring groups to expand their own territory. The researchers witnessed 18 fatal attacks and found signs of three others, with the Ngogo chimpanzees expanding their territory by 22%.
Researchers announce the discovery of a 3.6 million-year-old partial skeleton, nicknamed 'Kadanuumuu', which is almost as proficient in walking on two legs as modern humans. The finding confirms advanced human-like walking occurred much earlier than previously thought.
Dr. Sandra Garvie-Lok, an anthropologist from the University of Alberta, analyzed human remains found in a tunnel in ancient Nemea, Greece, to determine the cause of death. Her findings suggest that the victim was likely an eyewitness to the Slavic invasion and died from injuries sustained during the event.
Experts will present on techniques using digital technology to separate conjoined twins, develop facial prostheses, and analyze anthropologic specimens. The symposium aims to enhance outcomes through the use of digital tools, such as radiographic data and tactile medical modeling.
Researchers reveal that Patagonia's indigenous societies were dynamic, with complex social organization, linguistic diversity and high mobilization capacity. They also adjusted their internal characteristics to cope with change.
A global database is necessary to guarantee accurate identification of victims in mass disasters, according to a new study. Radiological techniques are crucial in this process, providing documentation and useful information on skeletal trauma and tooth location.
Researchers found bonobos never seem to learn how not to share, whereas chimps do as youngsters but grow out of it. Bonobos' behavior is shaped by their environment's abundance, leading to a 'Peter Pan world'. They shared like juveniles even after reaching adulthood, unlike chimps.
Researchers at Purdue University emphasize the importance of understanding local human cultures in conserving African wildlife. Their study highlights how selective logging can help sustain local antelope populations, reducing hunting pressure on protected species.
Savanna chimpanzees in Senegal exhibit predictive behavior towards seasonal fires, avoiding the fire as it approaches. Researchers interpret this behavior as a cognitive stage similar to human understanding of fire control. The study provides insight into how early human ancestors may have developed fire control abilities.
A Mercyhurst forensic anthropology team conducts a mock excavation to test methods for recovering burned human remains from fatal fire scenes. The project aims to improve protocols for optimal scene recovery and laboratory analysis.
A new study by the University of Florida combines socio-cultural and genetic data to reveal health disparities between different groups. The research suggests that social classification is a better predictor of disease status than genetic ancestry.
A study of a 40,000-year-old human skeleton found high levels of nitrogen isotopes suggesting regular consumption of freshwater fish. This suggests that early modern humans in China had access to fish as a food source before the development of effective fishing gear.
A new ethnographic study reveals that unspoken memories of Holocaust survivors find silent expression in everyday family interactions, shaping the lives of their children. Eighty percent of interviewees did not experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers have identified caribou-hunting structures and camps used by early hunters in the Great Lakes region. The discovery sheds light on the Paleo-Indian and Archaic periods, which are poorly known due to lost sites beneath the lakes.
Sharing personal genetic information online raises ethical questions about privacy and consent. Stanford researchers say we need more data on who's giving out information and how it's being used to fully understand its implications.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that gay and lesbian couples are forming long-term, committed relationships despite not being able to marry in their state. The majority of couples surveyed said they would get married if possible to secure legal rights such as retirement and healthcare benefits.
The Woods Institute has awarded grants to four Stanford faculty teams tackling environmental challenges globally. The recipients will focus on desert grasslands in Australia and mountain meadows in California, among other areas.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered neurons that mirror the attention of others, which may contribute to social deficits in autism and other disorders. The attention-mirroring neurons were found in the parietal lobe, a part of the brain dedicated to eye movements and attention.
The Lancet report warns that climate change will exacerbate traditional diseases like malaria and dengue fever, as well as heat-related mortality. The authors propose three action points: emphasizing the health threat, focusing on health systems, and developing win-win solutions for mitigation and adaptation.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati, in partnership with Hill-Rom Company, Inc., have developed a "Progressive Recovery Collection" of hospital gowns that cater to different patient needs. The collection features three options for patients who are seriously ill, somewhat mobile, and fully ambulatory, respectively.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found a pattern of distrust among physicians and midwives, with doctors believing hospital births are the only safe option. The study also revealed that assisted homebirths do not contribute to lower-than-average health outcomes, but rather successful outcomes for mothers and infants.
An international team of anthropologists discovered that more aggressive warriors among the Waorani have lower indices of reproductive success than less warlike men. The research contradicts previous findings on Yanomamo men, who were found to benefit from their aggressive behavior in terms of acquiring wives and children.
A UCLA archaeologist finds that eBay's online auction house has an unexpected chilling effect on looting of antiquities, diverting villages to producing fake artifacts instead. The proliferation of these copies reduces incentives to loot and depresses the market for real items.
A DNA study confirms that Native Americans and Greenlanders share a common ancestral population, with the '9-repeat allele' present in all Native American populations and absent in other Asian groups. This evidence supports the single ancestral population theory, ruling out multiple mutations and natural selection hypotheses.
Researchers confirm the existence of three separate Neanderthal sub-groups in Western Europe, southern Europe, and the Levant, with a fourth group found in western Asia. The study suggests that climate conditions played a significant role in shaping the population's geographical distribution.
Researchers found that male chimpanzees who share their food with females can mate more often than those who don't. Sharing meat over long periods of time doubles a male's mating success, while females increase their caloric intake without incurring energetic costs.
Researchers found that females copulate more frequently with males who share meat with them, compared to those who never share. This suggests that sharing meat with females improves males' mating success and may be a long-term strategy for securing mates.
According to evolutionary biologist Alan Walker, human fine motor control limits strength compared to chimps. Humans use fewer muscle fibers for tasks, while chimps use more due to less motor neuron control. This allows humans to conserve energy and perform delicate tasks, but may also limit their physical endurance.
A Kansas State University research team is exploring the use of native southern African plants in veterinary medicine. They have documented 18 regions where these plants are used to treat various animal health issues, including intestinal parasites and wounds.
Researchers found evidence of maize and squash domestication in the Xihuatoxtla Shelter in southwestern Mexico, dating back 9,000 years. The findings contradict previous assumptions that maize domestication occurred in highland areas.
Researchers discovered the earliest dated evidence of domesticated maize, dating back over 8,700 years to Mexico's Central Balsas River Valley. The team found maize starch and phytoliths in grinding tools and lake sediments, confirming that maize was derived from teosinte.
A team of scientists led by Dolores Piperno has discovered the earliest evidence of maize domestication in the New World, dating back to 8,700 years ago. The research confirms that maize originated from a wild plant called teosinte and was first domesticated in tropical southwest Mexico.
Researchers discovered evidence of earliest known domestic horses in Kazakhstan, which were both ridden and milked. The findings suggest horse domestication began around 5,500 years ago, earlier than previously thought, and had a significant impact on society.
Researchers discover annual increase in anxiety and stress among male sifaka concurrent with birthing, suggesting complex social dynamics. The study found significant rise in stress-related hormones in male sifaka feces during the birth season.
A global survey of salivary microbes found that the oral microbiome diversity among individuals is similar to that among people from different parts of the world. The study, led by Dr. Mark Stoneking, analyzed bacterial gene sequences from saliva samples from 120 healthy subjects across six geographic areas and compared them with a dat...
The Ileret footprints, found in Kenya, display human-like arch and short toes associated with an upright bipedal stance. The prints are attributed to Homo ergaster or early Homo erectus, a hominid with body proportions similar to modern humans.
Anthropologist Karen Rosenberg sheds light on the evolutionary significance of childbirth, revealing that social assistance during labor is a distinctive human characteristic. Her research highlights the importance of cooperative childcare and social intelligence in reproductive success.
A study using African Americans with West African and European ancestry found a strong statistical correlation between genetic admixture and facial traits. The researchers measured distances between specific face landmarks to compare genetically determined admixture with facial feature differences.
Rafe Sagarin, a Duke University ecologist, advocates for a Darwinian approach to homeland defense, emphasizing adaptability and responsiveness over rigid security measures. By learning to live with threats rather than eliminating them entirely, organisms can better handle unforeseen risks in an escalating arms race.
Human mothers with social support can conserve energy, allowing their bodies to prepare for the next pregnancy. In contrast, nonhuman primates lack this flexibility and have relatively low reproductive rates due to similar energy demands during lactation. Social support plays a crucial role in human reproductive success.
Recent findings suggest early humans primarily ate gelatin, contradicting the long-held notion that they ate hard, tough foods like nuts. This shift in understanding may be linked to crisis situations rather than everyday dietary needs.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute and 454 Life Sciences Corp. have completed a draft version of the Neandertal genome, providing insights into their genetic relationship with modern humans. The study reveals significant differences between the Neandertal and human genomes, shedding light on how our species diverged.
Researchers are using stable isotope analysis to reconstruct the past lives of hominids, revealing their diets and environments. The study of Paranthropus robustus suggests a diverse diet that includes hard foods like nuts, as well as sedges, grasses, seeds, and possibly animal foods.
Human ancestors' large brains required high-energy diets, while modern humans consume more calories and nutrients. The imbalance between energy intake and expenditure contributes to obesity worldwide.
Researchers at ASU have discovered that humans have a unique genetic adaptation to starch consumption, with high-starch diets associated with more copies of the AMY1 gene. This finding provides insight into why certain populations may be better equipped to handle diarrheal diseases.
Researchers used finite element analysis to determine the forces and stresses involved in chewing food, contradicting previous classical analyses. The study suggests that Australopithecus africanus may have eaten larger hard objects, such as nuts, due to their fracture properties rather than wear patterns.
A new study from the University of Minnesota suggests that smaller chimpanzees use political behavior, such as grooming, to secure top positions rather than relying on physical aggression. This finding is based on 10 years of observations of dominant male chimpanzees in Gombe National Park, Tanzania.
The Supe people's advanced stone pyramid temples and maritime farming community were devastated by a series of earthquakes and flooding caused by El Nino events, rendering their fertile fields and bays uninhabitable. The region's collapse serves as a cautionary tale for modern times, highlighting the risks of environmental vulnerability.
A study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that animal species sleeping for longer periods have reduced parasite infestation and increased immune cells. This suggests that sleep plays an important role in protecting animals from parasitic infections.
A recent study by Cecil Lewis at the University of Oklahoma reveals that ancient microbes can provide insights into modern human health. The researchers analyzed 1,300-year-old feces from Central Mexico and found them to be more geographically structured than modern microbiomes.
Researchers use 3D modeling to compare cranial features, concluding Homo floresiensis is a distinct species. The study suggests the 'hobbit' species may have undergone size reduction after branching off from Homo erectus.
A professor of political science argues for a national policy on culture in the legal system. She proposes three conditions to reduce false claims of cultural defense, including membership in the ethnic group, tradition adherence, and influence on actions.
The study of human fossils from Sima de la Palomas reveals the persistence of Neandertals until around 40,000 years ago. This challenges the idea that they were quickly displaced by modern humans, indicating a more complex picture of contact and coexistence between different human populations.