Julie Hoggarth, a renowned Maya archaeologist, has been elected as an AAAS Fellow for her groundbreaking research on the linkages among ancient demography, climate, environmental change, precise chronology, and Maya history. Her work aims to develop long-term dynamics of climate change and sociopolitical organization of ancient societies.
Researchers found that chimpanzees deliberately select plant materials with flexible properties for termite fishing, indicating an intuitive comprehension of material properties. This 'folk physics' ability has implications for understanding human technological evolution and tool use.
The discovery of a 62-million-year-old Mixodectes skeleton has provided new insights into the anatomy, behavior, diet, and evolutionary relationships of this enigmatic mammal. The study shows that Mixodectes was an arboreal mammal that weighed about 2.9 pounds and primarily ate leaves.
A new study found that Neanderthals experienced a drastic loss of genetic variation approximately 110,000 years ago, leading to their eventual extinction. The research measured the morphological diversity in semicircular canals, which revealed lower diversity in classic Neanderthals compared to pre-Neanderthals and early Neanderthals.
Researchers analyzed DNA of 370 individuals from 800 years, revealing genetic ties between Huns and Xiongnu Empire. The study found a small but distinct set of individuals carrying East Asian genetic signatures, suggesting some Hun-period individuals in Europe traced their lineage back to late Xiongnu burials.
A study on Nigerian healthcare workers found that excessive iron levels increased the risk of catching COVID-19, while moderate deficiency didn't offer protection. The research highlights an evolutionary tradeoff between iron's benefits for immune function and its potential risk to pathogens.
Brondizio's work highlights the vital role of Indigenous peoples in conservation and connects large-scale structural processes to local communities. His research has transformed knowledge of the Amazon region and its socio-ecological issues.
Kinda baboons exhibit a unique social structure where males actively cultivate long-term bonds with females, persisting across reproductive states. This behavior challenges traditional classifications of baboon social structures and may offer insights into primate evolution.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals that pregnant individuals with no emotional support during childbirth experience higher levels of perceived stress, comparable to a C-section delivery. The research highlights the importance of access to emotional support in reducing stress and improving maternal and child outcomes.
A McGill University researcher has discovered a 15th-century Zapotec site in southern Oaxaca, Mexico, was a sprawling fortified city with over 1,100 buildings. The city's layout suggests the Zapotecs had a well-organized social structure and level of agency in negotiating with the Spanish.
Researchers have discovered cut-marked fossil bones from the Grăunceanu site in Romania, dating back to around 1.95 million years ago, indicating early hominin presence in Eurasia 200,000 years earlier than previously thought. The findings provide evidence of tool use by hominins and suggest a more complex history of human evolution.
A research team led by Ohio University's Sabrina Curran has discovered new evidence of early hominin activity in Europe, suggesting that hominins were present on the continent at least 1.95 million years ago. This finding pushes back previous timelines and provides valuable insights into the behavior of early human ancestors.
A team of researchers from Penn State and the University of California, Irvine, have proposed a novel theory on the molecular basis underlying human scalp hair growth. They suggest that long scalp hair initially evolved to protect early human ancestors in equatorial Africa from intense heat and solar radiation.
A genetic study of burial grounds from the Avar period in Lower Austria found that genes and culture did not have to match. The analysis revealed a high number of relatives among the deceased, reconstructing contemporary six-generation-long pedigrees at each site.
A new bioinformatics pipeline analyzes whole-genome sequencing data to accurately estimate genetic relatedness in animal populations. The tool identifies identical DNA fragments inherited from a common ancestor, revealing previously undetected relatives and providing more detailed insights into relatedness structures.
The University of Vienna's Department of Evolutionary Anthropology has used modern CSI methods to determine the identity of a 1929 skull found in Ephesos, Turkey. The analysis revealed that the remains belonged to a boy between 11-14 years old suffering from pathological developmental disorders.
A new study suggests that the northern muriqui monkey population remains at risk despite being almost four times larger than it was in 1982. Habitat disturbances are thought to be a contributing factor to the population decline, with predation and environmental stressors such as climate change also playing a role.
Researchers have unraveled the precise timing and functional legacy of Neandertal gene flow into early modern humans. The study suggests that most non-African individuals harbor one to two percent Neandertal ancestry, with the majority tracing back to a single shared period between 50,000 and 57,000 years ago.
A new study from Case Western Reserve University found that 71% of respondents had brokered a drug transaction in the past month, highlighting the importance of social networks in facilitating access to illegal substances. Peer-brokered sales are also linked to increased demand and expansion of the narcotics trade.
A new study led by University of Arizona researcher François Lanoë reveals that Indigenous people in the Americas interacted with early dogs and wolves as far back as 12,000 years ago. The discovery sheds light on how long humans have had relationships with the ancestors of today's dogs.
A University of Michigan study found that warmer temperatures decline the immune performance of wild capuchin monkeys, with younger monkeys most vulnerable. The researchers used a 'clean catch' method to collect urine samples from the monkeys, which revealed a significant decline in immune performance during periods of high temperatures.
A new study at Durham University found that social tolerance enables social learning in wild bearded capuchin monkeys, leading to the transmission of skills and traditions. The research showed that individuals with strong social tolerance were more likely to learn from others and share information about solving complex tasks.
A study analyzing DNA from skeletal remains in Pompeii casts reveals the cosmopolitan origin of the city's inhabitants, contradicting previous physical appearance-based assumptions. Genetic data also sheds light on ancestry, sex, and familial relationships, challenging traditional notions.
The study shows an alternating series of interaction and gene flow between inhabitants of mountainous upland regions and steppes to the north of the Caucasus. Innovations in herd management, dairying, and mobility enabled autonomous nomadic lifestyles adapted to exploit the Eurasian steppe zone.
A recent study published in Antiquity has uncovered over 6,500 pre-Hispanic structures, including a large, previously unknown city with iconic stone pyramids. The research used lidar technology to survey 50 square miles of land in Campeche, Mexico, revealing a more complex and varied Maya landscape than previously thought.
The National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded a Preservation Assistance Grant to Texas A&M University's Anthropology Research Collections. The grant will help protect and improve access to the university's anthropological and archaeological materials, while also providing new learning opportunities for graduate students.
Researchers used cutting-edge drone-based lidar to map two newly documented trade cities in Uzbekistan, revealing unprecedented details of medieval urban structures and economies. The cities, Tashbulak and Tugunbulak, are among the largest ever documented in the mountainous parts of the Silk Road.
Researchers from UNH's Forensic Anthropology Lab worked with town officials to investigate and document the remains, which showed signs of hardship and health issues. The reburial ceremony marked a rare opportunity for closure and respect for the individuals buried in hasty unmarked graves.
A new study in PLOS ONE reports on the contents of 25 coastal and underwater cave sites in southern Sicily, uncovering three new sites with potentially important archaeological sediments. The findings provide key data for understanding the early expansion of Homo sapiens into the Mediterranean.
A new study found that consonant lengthening is a universal trait in many languages, helping listeners identify word boundaries. The researchers analyzed data from the DoReCo corpus and found evidence of lengthening in 43 out of 51 languages.
Researchers found that horseback riding can subtly alter the shape of the hip joint, but these changes are not definitive proof of horse domestication. Human remains from various time periods show similar skeletal changes due to other activities, casting doubt on the Kurgan hypothesis.
Researchers analyzed ancient genomes from the Oakhurst rock shelter in southern Africa, finding that the oldest genomes are genetically similar to San and Khoekhoe groups living today. The study reveals a long history of relative genetic stability until around 1,200 years ago when newcomers introduced new cultures and languages.
Dartmouth anthropologists argue that jungle gyms and monkey bars are essential for childhood development, allowing children to build resilience and confidence through risk-taking play. The research cites fossil evidence showing early humans spent extensive time in trees, and modern nonhuman primates exhibit similar climbing skills.
A Dartmouth study suggests that social rank determines whether animals prioritize short-term energy consumption over long-term health, with dominant monkeys consuming food quickly to maintain dominance, while lower-ranked monkeys invest time in washing their food to prevent tooth damage. The findings shed light on the disposable soma h...
A study by Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology found that local food harvesting is more economically-efficient and less carbon-intensive than industrial food production in the Canadian Arctic. Replacing locally-harvested foods with market substitutes would cost over $3 million per year and emit over 1,000 tonnes of CO2-e...
Researchers used modern technology to estimate the number of rock gardens on Easter Island and food production, revealing that the island couldn't sustain a large population. The study's findings contradict the long-held notion of an ecological catastrophe and instead suggest a more sustainable approach to agriculture.
Researchers reconstructed ancient genomes of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites to study their worldwide spread. The analysis revealed that European colonizers introduced P. vivax to the Americas, while military activities in Europe facilitated the spread of P. falciparum.
A study published in Nature Water found that US children's simultaneous water and food insecurity increased nearly twice as much between 2005 and 2020. The research also revealed significant racial disparities, with Black children being 3.5 times more likely to experience both problems than white children.
Caroline Schuster and Catherine J. Frieman will succeed Laurence Ralph as co-editors of Current Anthropology on January 1, 2025. They are the first cross-disciplinary editorial team and first women to hold this role, bringing extensive editorial experience to the journal.
Researchers emphasize that field stations studying primates contribute to biodiversity conservation by deterring poaching, deforestation, and natural resource extraction. The authors call for increased funding and support for red colobus conservation efforts.
A recent study reveals that ancient hunter-gatherers in Morocco consumed a significant amount of plant foods, including Mediterranean species, which predates the advent of agriculture in the region. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of human evolution and subsistence strategies.
Researchers analyzed ancient DNA data from 424 individuals to reconstruct Avar community structures and social dynamics. They found strict patrilineal descent systems, female exogamy, and levirate unions, suggesting females played a key role in promoting community cohesion.
Research from the University of Notre Dame finds that life transitions and global health policies for men vary across communities, with differing effects on physical and mental health. Men's life expectancy lags behind women's, and health interventions should focus on individual needs and cultural contexts.
Researchers observed a rare instance of lemur predation by a fosa in the Betampona Strict Nature Reserve. The impact of this predation, combined with low reproductive rates and genetic isolation, poses significant threats to the survival of critically endangered lemurs.
A unique collaboration between archaeologists and MeatEater highlights the prevalence of equifinality, where distinct processes can lead to the same outcome. The experiment tested Clovis stone tools' efficiency in processing a bison, offering insights into early human technologies.
Recent research connects biological domestication to early food globalization, proposing a new conceptual framework that challenges traditional narratives. Archaeological investigations have shown that plant and animal domestication entailed a more gradual transition spanning thousands of years across extensive geographies.
A new study examines the impact of a pandemic course on COVID-19 knowledge and behaviors among university students. The course used an interdisciplinary approach to encourage safety behaviors while reiterating their importance.
Researchers developed a new, accessible, and affordable sequence method using qPCR to identify touch DNA. The study found that male DNA was detected on the female's hand in 50% of trials, indicating secondary transfer, while male DNA on the coffee mug was recorded 27% of time indicating tertiary transfer.
Research by Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and Duke University found that early life adversity, such as drought and poor habitat quality, can leave lasting signatures in baboon DNA. Multiple exposures to early adversity appear to have compounding effects on DNA methylation.
A new study by the University of Washington found that condom use has been declining among younger gay and bisexual men, even when not taking PrEP. The study highlights the need for continued education about the benefits of using condoms during sex to reduce HIV transmission rates.
A team of researchers at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology developed a new simulation model to study the cultural evolution of collective property rights. The model shows that these institutions critically depend on clearly defined and enforced access rights.
Researchers found that Chinese migrants in Los Angeles Chinatown overcame economic barriers by raising pigs and distributing pork, a practice similar to traditional South China pig husbandry. The study analyzed dental calculus on pig teeth, revealing rice as the primary food source.
A new study challenges the idea that Eurasia's dominant East-West axis led to faster development due to its unique orientation. The researchers found that environmental barriers hindered the spread of cultural traits across societies, but did not consistently favor Eurasia.
A study analyzing ancient DNA from 33 individuals found two separate farmer-associated ancestries in the region, connected to China's Yangtze River valley and Yellow River valley. The genetic results mirror cultural differences between regions, suggesting separate influence spheres and connections to distinct initial migration routes d...
Researchers discovered human fossils and artifacts at Ilsenhöhle in Ranis, Germany, indicating that Homo sapiens arrived in cold northern latitudes before Neanderthals disappeared in southwest Europe. The analysis of ancient DNA and zooarchaeological findings suggests that humans consumed a diverse range of animals during their stay.
A team of researchers, led by Jordan Crowell and Stephen Chester, used modern CT scan technology to analyze the only known preserved picrodontid skull, revealing that they are not closely related to primates. The study highlights the importance of revisiting old specimens with updated techniques to examine them.
Recent studies published in the Tuberculosis journal reveal the earliest confirmed presence of tuberculosis' causative agents in human remains, pushing the timeline back by tens of thousands of years. Researchers have also discovered evidence of TB infection in Neanderthal specimens from Hungary, dating back over 32,000 years.
A University of Otago-led study found that early primates primarily consumed soft fruits, as indicated by dental chipping patterns and cavities. The research, published in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology, analyzed fossils from the Fayum Depression in Egypt and compared them to data from living primates.
Researchers discovered that reindeer's vision evolved to spot Cladonia rangiferina, a type of lichen, during winter. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy by finding food from a distance, making it easier to survive in cold environments. The study provides new insights into the extraordinary visual system of reindeer.
Researchers from the University of Notre Dame document extensive damage to Ukraine's cultural heritage sites, including churches, schools, and archaeological sites. The team found widespread devastation caused by missile strikes and underground trench systems, with many historical buildings and monuments affected.