A study in Belize found that Indigenous farmers' slash-and-burn techniques increased forest plant diversity when used in intermediate-sized farm patches. This contradicts the standard view of slash-and-burn as a cause of deforestation, and highlights the importance of Indigenous knowledge for sustainable agriculture.
A new study by the University of Kent's School of Anthropology and Conservation has found that members of the 'manosphere' community are misusing academic research to justify anti-feminist and sexist beliefs. The research highlights a double standard, where women's behavior is scrutinized while men's behavior is overlooked.
Recent studies by Cara Ocobock and Sarah Lacy found that prehistoric women engaged in hunting, with their female anatomy providing advantages such as endurance and fat metabolism. The research corrects the historical erasure of women from the narrative of human evolution.
A Dartmouth study analyzing declassified Cold War satellite imagery identified 396 previously undocumented Roman forts across the northern Fertile Crescent. The forts were constructed from east to west, contradicting Father Antoine Poidebard's north-south axis claim and suggesting a more complex distribution along Rome's eastern frontier.
A new study from SMU fire scientist Christopher Roos reveals that Pacific island wildfires are not solely driven by human activity, but also by climate change. Research found fires predate human settlement by thousands of years and corresponded to droughts linked to El Niño events.
A new framework aims to ensure Indigenous communities reap benefits from their microbiome samples, promoting equitable and beneficial research. Researchers highlight the need for community ownership of microbiomes, collaboration, and respect for Indigenous sovereignty.
A University of Oklahoma professor is conducting an ethnographic study on end-of-life care in two public palliative care wards in Mexico City. The study aims to understand the cultural and bioethical dimensions of death and dying, with a focus on improving palliative care practices.
Researchers found that great-tailed grackles are expanding their range into urban and arid environments due to increased behavioral flexibility. This allows them to adapt to changing conditions and find new food sources. In contrast, boat-tailed grackles only expanded slightly northwards in response to climate change.
A team led by Laurie Schintler is conducting a study to compare perceptions of peer review decisions made by humans versus algorithms. The research aims to measure the legitimacy of both human and algorithmic decision-making processes in scientific publishing and funding outcomes.
A new study demonstrates that atlatl weapon use by prehistoric females equalizes the division of labor while hunting. The results suggest that female and male interments with atlatl weaponry should be interpreted similarly, indicating women were likely active and successful hunters.
Researchers used radiocarbon dating and time-series modeling to study the timing and causes of megafauna extinctions at Rancho La Brea Tar Pits. The team found that a sharp decline in population occurred between 13,070 to 12,900 years ago, coinciding with warming and drying climate change and increased fires sparked by humans.
A new study reveals that Ötzi had a Mediterranean-European skin tone and little to no Eastern European ancestry. His hair was likely sparse, with a predisposition to baldness. The research team used advanced sequencing technology to analyze Ötzi's genome, which has more Anatolian farmer ancestry than any of his European contemporaries.
Researchers found that languages with larger populations of non-native speakers do not simplify their grammars. Instead, variations in complexity accumulate too slowly to adapt to the environment. This challenges long-held theories on the relationship between language complexity and social factors.
A new study in rural Uganda found a significant relationship between maternal adverse childhood experiences and child mental health problems. Maternal depression may play a vital role in transmitting these effects across generations, highlighting the need for prioritizing mental health support.
Researchers developed an agent-based simulation model that incorporates memory, forgetting, and sharing information among group members. The study found that agents who forgot less useful behaviors made better choices, demonstrating the importance of forgetting in social learning.
Scientists analyzed DNA from fecal samples to study the reproductive behavior of northern muriquis, an endangered primate species. They found that females tend to mate with males having diverse MHC genes, which may provide offspring protection against pathogens.
Researchers combined linguistics and genetics to propose a new origin theory for the Indo-European languages, suggesting an ultimate homeland south of the Caucasus. The study estimated the family to be approximately 8100 years old, with five main branches split off by around 7000 years ago.
A genetic analysis of individuals buried at Machu Picchu suggests a highly heterogeneous population with diverse ethnic origins. The study finds that many retainers were of Amazonian origin and had mixed ancestries, indicating selective mate choice.
Researchers reconstruct two massive family trees from ancient DNA data, shedding light on the lives of a prehistoric European Neolithic community. The study reveals a strong patrilineal pattern, large family sizes, and a potentially fluid exchange network comprising many groups.
Researchers in Tam Pa Ling cave in northeastern Laos found evidence of early human occupation dating back at least 70,000 years. The team used various techniques to date sediments and bones, revealing two distinct migration groups with unclear relationships.
Researchers discovered that knapping is far more dangerous than previously understood, with severe injuries including bone piercings, tourniquet needed ankles, and eye damage. Injuries varied across body parts, including hands, feet, legs, and torso.
A recent study by UC Davis researchers found that humans exhibit reproductive inequality similar to other mammals, challenging the notion of human exceptionalism. The study also revealed greater reproductive egalitarianism in societies allowing polygynous marriages, where women have equal access to resources and parenting help.
Researchers have uncovered a new model of human evolution suggesting that Homo sapiens originated from multiple closely related populations in Africa. This new model provides a better explanation for genetic variation among individual humans and human groups, offering significant advancements in anthropological science.
A new Dartmouth study reveals high rates of childbirth fear in US pregnant people, associated with factors such as racism, low income, and pre-existing conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these fears, leading to increased stress and anxiety during labor.
Researchers reconstruct bacterial genomes of Ice Age microorganisms, reviving ancient natural products and discovering new chemical diversity. The team uses synthetic molecular biotechnology to produce chemicals encoded by ancient genes, unlocking the secrets of Earth's past microbes.
A team of researchers has developed a non-destructive method to extract DNA from bones and teeth, allowing for direct attribution of cultural objects to specific individuals. The breakthrough enabled the recovery of ancient human DNA from a 20,000-year-old pendant, providing insights into Paleolithic societies.
A team from Kennesaw State University is studying the cultural, historical, and health significance of artisanal alcohol production in Cabo Verde. The researchers aim to understand the economic, social, and environmental impacts of grogue production, a national liquor produced by fermenting sugar cane.
Researchers found that individuals within two Xiongnu elite cemeteries exhibited extremely high genetic diversity, confirming the empire as a multiethnic entity. High status individuals showed lower genetic diversity, while those of lower status had higher heterogeneity, suggesting a diverse origin pool.
A recent study by SMU anthropologist Neely Myers found that ethnoracially minoritized youth are less likely to utilize early intervention programs and more likely to drop out once they begin. Culturally sensitive care can help, but family culture and language play a significant role in healthcare disparities.
The study confirms that a significant number of people from Southwest Asia moved to the Swahili coast in medieval and early modern times, having children with local populations. Hallmarks of the Swahili civilization predated these arrivals, contradicting previous scholarly views.
A University of South Florida anthropologist has uncovered the first ancient DNA from the Swahili Civilization, revealing African and Asian ancestry patterns. The study challenges centuries-old narratives and restores pride to the millions who identify as Swahili by providing clarity to their heritage.
Researchers have discovered unexpected similarities between stone tools used by monkeys and some of the earliest hominin stone artifacts. The findings suggest that accidental production of stone fragments during nut cracking may hold clues to the origin of intentional tool use in early humans.
A study found 38% of children in a rural Mississippi Delta community had parasitic worms or protist infections. This is a neglected health issue in low-resource areas, linked to poor sanitation and climate change. The researcher emphasizes the need for direct community engagement and investment in infrastructure to address these issues.
A new genomic study found signs of TB adaptation in ancient Andean populations, thousands of years before European contact. The study suggests that Indigenous people in present-day Ecuador developed an immune response to tuberculosis around 3,000 years ago, when agriculture began proliferating in the region.
This special issue explores the reality of identifying the dead in Brazil through various perspectives, including personal identification initiatives, forensic data management, and case reports. The articles shed light on best practices for procedures related to evidence chain of custody in forensic anthropology in Brazil.
Researchers from Northwestern University have developed a new biosensor device that accurately detects toxic levels of fluoride in water, allowing for easy use outside of a lab. The device has been field-tested in rural Kenya, showing excellent accuracy and usability results.
Archaeologist Dr. Melissa Baltus has received a five-year, $185,779 grant from the NSF to study neighborhoods surrounding ancient Cahokia and their impact on the city's creation. The study will focus on Indigenous people's lived experiences and social dynamics in two different neighborhoods.
The shift from foraging to farming led to increased conflict, violence, and infectious diseases. Humans adapted genetically to dairy consumption around 5,000 years ago, while early agricultural communities faced social challenges, including limited diets and kinship organization.
Researchers analyzed 100 ancient genomes to understand kinship and marriage rules in Minoan Crete and Mycenaean Greece. They found that cousin marriages were common, with over 90% of sons marrying within their own family's hamlet.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that despite widespread internet access, many refugee communities struggle to use digital technology for daily needs. The research highlights the importance of addressing social and cultural barriers to bridge the digital divide.
Researchers identified two methods of harvesting rice, which helped initiate rice domestication. The findings showed that the early Neolithic cultures in southern China used both 'finger-knife' and 'sickle' techniques to harvest rice, with the latter method becoming more widely used as rice became more domesticated.
Researchers at Binghamton University propose a three-pillar approach to increase inclusion in STEM fields, including flexibility, accommodation, and modification. This framework aims to address the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities and other constraints.
A study using DNA analysis of a sacrificial spider monkey at Teotihuacàn, Mexico, reveals the earliest evidence of primate captivity and translocation in the Americas. The research provides insight into ancient trade networks and suggests that the spider monkey was a diplomatic gift between Teotihuacàn and the Maya civilization.
A study by researchers at the University of Washington found that infants are less likely to contract COVID-19 and develop severe symptoms if their mothers test positive for the virus. The study suggests that infant infection is mostly related to household transmission, not solely from maternal risk.
Researchers found lower calcium and phosphorus concentrations in female primates' bones after giving birth and breastfeeding. The study, which analyzed bone composition over time, shows that reproduction permanently alters the skeleton's dynamic nature.
Researchers found evidence of a 10,000-year-old infant carrier at the Arma Veirana site in Liguria, Italy. The carrier was buried with the infant, nicknamed Neve, who wore over 70 pierced shell beads and pendants that were likely handed down as heirlooms.
Researchers analyzed DNA from 13 Neandertals, finding evidence of a close-knit community with 10-20 individuals. Genetic data suggests that female migration played a key role in maintaining the group's cohesion, contradicting previous theories about male-dominated movements.
Researchers are using ancient DNA samples to study the relationship between humans and furbearers like beavers, mink, and muskrats. By analyzing genetic diversity lost due to the fur trade, scientists can inform current conservation efforts and guide future management schemes.
Indian officials use physical closeness and digital connection to entice would-be citizens, but keep them waiting for recognition and basic welfare. Migrants experience an ambivalent welcome on arrival, with mixed affects of state performances that amplify both stature and shortcomings.
Researchers documented social ties between individual chimpanzees and gorillas that persisted over years and across different contexts. The study found enhanced foraging opportunities to be a key benefit of interspecies social interactions, with apes sharing knowledge of diverse plant species.
A new analysis of chimpanzee stone tools shows diverse material culture across different groups. Researchers found notable differences between two groups in Guinea and the Taï Forest in Côte d'Ivoire, highlighting the significance of stone choice, availability, and nut species.
The ‘YES Oklahoma’ project seeks to address the underrepresentation of American Indian students in biomedical and cancer research. The program aims to provide research training opportunities for high school students, teachers, and graduate students from underrepresented communities, with a focus on improving community health outcomes.
A study analyzing over 35,000 COVID-19 vaccine recipients found that 42.1% experienced heavier menstrual flow after vaccination. The analysis also revealed correlations between pre-vaccination reproductive history and hormonal status on the likelihood of experiencing these changes.
Researchers found that breastfeeding provides an immune boost to infants, reducing the risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia. However, milk also mounts responses to beneficial gut bacteria, which can be disruptive and increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis reveals that camelina, an ancient oilseed crop, may have been more important and widespread than previously thought, with origins in the Caucasus region near present-day Armenia. The study's findings support breeding programs to improve this crop for biofuels applications, highlighting i...
A new study found that children with older siblings are less likely to develop behavioral problems, suggesting a positive impact of sibling relationships on child development. The study also highlights the importance of early intervention policies to reduce maternal stress and promote healthy child development.
Researchers used zinc isotopes to investigate megalodon's diet and find that great white sharks likely competed with it for prey. The study provides a unique window into the past, allowing scientists to analyze extinct animals' diets over millions of years.
Researchers found Madagascar's tree losses occurred internally in forests without landscape-scale fires, suggesting medium to large fires did not cause high rates of tree loss. Fire is declining across tropical grassy ecosystems globally, including on Madagascar, with major implications for ecosystems.
A new study supports the idea that humans inherited our love of alcohol from primate ancestors, who consumed fermented fruit with high alcohol content. Monkeys eat and digest alcohol-rich fruits, using it as a source of calories, shedding light on human affinity for booze.
A multidisciplinary team analyzed ancient DNA from the Carpathian Basin to reveal clues about the Avars' origins. The research found that the Avar elites had ancestry from Northeast Asia and the North Caucasus, suggesting a rapid trans-Eurasian migration