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
A recent study confirms that tuberculosis strains associated with marine mammals were also present in inland populations in pre-colonial South America. The researchers found three new ancient TB genomes from human remains in the highlands of Colombia, which resemble a TB variant found in seals and sea lions.
Analyses of ancient TB genomes from coastal Peru and inland Colombian Andes sites reveal a marine-associated strain of the pathogen that suggests a zoonosis from seals. The findings support a complex distribution network for TB on land, with trade networks potentially playing a key role in transporting the pathogen.
Researchers studied Indriidae lemurs to understand the impact of climate, body size, and color vision on hair evolution, providing a unique window into human hair evolution. The study fills gaps in our understanding of human evolutionary story by comparing non-human primate hair patterns.
Researchers analyzed ancient human DNA to discern ancestral relationships across sub-Saharan Africa, finding evidence of widespread genetic mixing and exchange along complex social networks that stretched thousands of miles. The study provides the first genetic evidence of major demographic changes among hunter-gatherer populations in ...
Grackles' ability to inhibit previous behavior is linked to their flexibility, according to researchers. The study used various tests, including a touchscreen computer test, to assess inhibition and flexibility in grackles.
Researchers found that governance, rather than society size, plays a key role in determining the complexity of computational communications in prehispanic Mesoamerica. Computational communications were highly elaborate in areas ruled by autocratic rulers but less complex in areas with more collective power arrangements.
A new model using Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics has been developed to accurately determine the post-mortem interval (PMI) in human skeletal remains. This non-destructive technique provides valuable information for forensic medicine and anthropology, improving reliability and accuracy.
Researchers found that wild chimpanzees do not independently invent complex tool use behaviors like nut cracking. Instead, they learn from observing and imitating others, similar to humans. This challenges the long-held assumption that chimpanzee culture is non-cumulative.
Researchers found that a unique protein variant in modern humans offers better protection against oxidative stress, but also increases the risk of vascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease. The Neanderthal variant is carried by around 1-2% of the population on the Indian subcontinent.
A new national survey of over 2,800 women found that most American women are 'moderate' sports fans, watching or following one or more sports over the past year. Women attended about three sporting events over the previous year, with a modest link between fan identification and consumption.
Scientists successfully extracted DNA from sediment blocks stored up to 40 years ago, providing access to a vast untapped repository of genetic information. The study reveals that specific sediment features are more conducive to ancient DNA preservation than others.
A team of international researchers has developed a globally-applicable ethical code for ancient human DNA research, aiming to address social and cultural implications. The code proposes cooperation with stakeholders, minimal damage to human remains, and respect for indigenous communities' perspectives.
A new study reveals the oldest known punctate ivory pendant found in Eurasia, dating back 41,500 years. The pendant provides direct evidence of Homo sapiens' use of decorative motifs in Poland.
Researchers analyzed historical data on games played by 25 cultures and found that cooperative games are more common in socially hierarchical cultures, while competitive games are prevalent in cultures with internal conflicts. The study suggests that games may mimic real-world behavior and help learn group norms.
The study found that grandmothers activate brain areas associated with emotional empathy when viewing photos of their grandchildren, indicating a strong emotional connection. In contrast, adult children elicit a stronger cognitive empathy response in grandmothers.
Researchers tracked vampire bats' gut microbes over four months, finding that those with closer social interactions shared more similar microbiomes. The study controlled for diet and environment, providing insight into the impact of social behavior on microbiome development.
A new study suggests that larger conservation areas are ineffective in protecting threatened species in central Africa, citing a lack of funding and resource management issues. The research found that broader conservation efforts often led to decreased populations due to the lands being too large to manage effectively.
A genomic study of the Tarim Basin mummies in western China found that they were direct descendants of a once widespread Pleistocene population known as Ancient North Eurasians. The mummies show no evidence of admixture with other Holocene groups, forming a previously unknown genetic isolate.
A UArizona-led team has discovered nearly 500 ancient ceremonial complexes in southern Mexico, similar to the largest Maya monument Aguada Fénix. The findings suggest that the Olmec civilization played a significant role in shaping the development of the Maya civilization.
A new study assesses Africa-wide great ape populations and finds that human activities, such as GDP, roads, and population density, are the strongest factors predicting abundance. Only 10.7% of predicted apes were found in areas with high levels of legal protection.
A new study suggests that tree-dwelling mammals, including primates and their ancestors, survived the asteroid strike that devastated Earth's forests 66 million years ago. The research found that ground-dwelling mammals had a selective advantage over arboreal counterparts, but some tree-dwellers managed to survive.
A study published in Kanazawa University reveals the tripartite origins of Japanese populations through paleogenomics, separating Jomon, Yayoi, and Kofun periods. The research suggests that modern Japanese populations have ancestry derived from both East Asian continental populations and Northeast Asia.
Researchers found shell beads in Morocco dating back 142,000-150,000 years, shedding light on early human communication and cognitive evolution. The discovery suggests that humans have been using nonverbal cues to express identity and affiliation for hundreds of thousands of years.
The National Science Foundation awarded a four-year project to study ancient agriculture in south-central Veracruz, Mexico. The researchers aim to understand the factors that contributed to the area's agricultural collapse and its potential implications for modern farming.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that early human groups in Europe endured cold climatic conditions for over 7,000 years. The team used archaeological materials to generate climatic data, revealing a higher degree of climate flexibility than previously believed.
Researchers found that Maya rulers altered their cities' structures and alignments to reflect their own desires and authority. Many temples were built on top of existing ones or abandoned altogether, shifting the focus from community ritual to ruler-centric politics.
Researchers at Binghamton University used thermal imaging drones to detect coastal seeps on Easter Island, finding areas where freshwater emerges from the sea. The technology allows for high-resolution images of these sources, enabling researchers to better understand how ancient communities used them to survive.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found conclusive evidence that the Native Americans who built Poverty Point, a 72-foot-tall earthen mound, were highly skilled engineers with sophisticated technical knowledge.
A new study examines the use of terminology in forensic anthropology, finding that research often fails to critically address racial and social constructs. The study suggests that using alternative terms like 'ancestry' can help reduce the perpetuation of white supremacy and biomedical claims based on biological differences.
A 7,000-year-old human skeleton from Sulawesi has provided new insights into ancient human relations. The genome analysis shows a connection to the first modern humans to reach Oceania and a mix of Denisovan and Asian genetic components.
The $3 million grant aims to study the effect of climate change, globalization and infrastructure development on the Arctic region. The project will examine interactions among social systems, natural environment and built environment in Yamal, northern Russia.
New research reveals Bronze Age farmers in China prioritized cattle for their diets, utilizing byproducts like millet stalks for feed. This approach differs from other regions, where cows were raised closer to human settlements.
A new study successfully recovered DNA from folded duct tape submerged in ocean water for up to 2 weeks, providing a complete short tandem repeat profile. The researchers found that the durability and adhesive nature of duct tape protected cellular material on its surface.
Researchers investigate how mathematics education values vary across cultures, influencing technological advancements and social interactions. The study seeks to understand the significance of mathematics in different societies, emphasizing its importance in shaping our understanding of the world.
A new study highlights the need to replace 'ancestry' in forensics with a more accurate approach, focusing on population affinity. Researchers found inconsistent use of terms related to ancestry and race within the field, leading to confusion and misuse.
Researchers developed a computational cognitive model to explain how children integrate information during word learning. The model simulates what should happen when different information sources are combined in a rational way, and its predictions align well with real-world data.
A long-term study on wild chimpanzees found that young orphaned chimps experience high levels of stress when their mothers die, but this stress subsides over time. Adult orphaned chimps are supported by other chimps, which may contribute to their recovery from maternal loss.
A study published in Evolution found that non-relatives can decipher facial expressions and be attuned to emotional states in infants across multiple primate species. Facial dexterity is positively correlated with the frequency of infant care by non-parents, suggesting a co-evolutionary relationship.
Researchers at Northern Arizona University developed a computerized method that uses machine learning to analyze visual information, allowing for rapid sorting of thousands of pottery fragments. The system achieved accuracy comparable to human experts and provided a visual record of its thought process.
A new study finds that Rwandans conceived during the 1994 genocide have poorer adult health outcomes, including depression, PTSD, and pain intensity. Those born of genocidal rape experience the worst health effects, highlighting the need for interventions to mitigate these effects.
Researchers explore how complex community patterns in Rapa Nui helped the isolated island survive from its settlement to European contact. Small communities maintained cultural separation, potentially shielding against random drift, which could lead to lost technologies and survival strategies.
Men in Tsimené communities who are kin or exchange food and labor are more likely to provide coalitional support. Higher status men tend to reciprocate and deploy coalitional support strategically to build a diverse following.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology developed new methods to enrich and analyze human nuclear DNA from sediments. This breakthrough allows for the study of population relationships and the deep human past, providing new opportunities for investigation and expanding the range of options to tease out evo...
Researchers develop a new land-use classification system to improve climate models by incorporating archaeological data, revealing the diversity and intensity of human activities that affected past land cover. The project aims to fill gaps in climate modeling predictions and provide insights into global climate patterns.
Adult male gorillas emit chest beats with lower peak frequencies for larger males, indicating their body size. This unique sound conveys information on competitive ability, allowing rivals to assess dominance.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis challenges the long-held theory that the collapse of Cahokia, a pre-Columbian Native American city, was caused by excessive tree cutting and deforestation. Researchers found no evidence of flooding issues or environmental missteps, contradicting previous narratives about ecocide.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of the oldest Europeans, finding they contributed genes to present-day East Asians and had extensive Neandertal DNA. This suggests frequent mixing with Neandertals when first modern humans arrived in Europe.
Researchers found scarlet macaws and Amazon parrots transported from over 300 miles away, eating the same diet as agriculturalists. Mummified birds were often eviscerated and mummified with their mouths open or wings spread in flight.
A new study reveals nearly 30% of forensic anthropologists have worked on cases involving transgender individuals, but most are unfamiliar with gender-affirming surgeries. The research highlights the need for a bio-cultural and queer theoretical perspective in forensic sex estimation to recognize signs of gender-affirming procedures.
A recent discovery in Potocani, Croatia, has revealed the oldest documented site of an indiscriminate mass killing, dating back 6,200 years. The DNA analysis indicates systematic violence and execution-style killings of 41 individuals from an early pastoralist community.