The study uses archaeological evidence and physics-based processes to describe how the islanders placed the hats on the statues. The researchers propose that workers would rotate, leverage, and pivot the hats onto the statue tops using small wooden levers.
The mountain gorilla population in the Virunga Volcanoes has more than doubled over the past three decades due to concerted conservation efforts. A recent census found a minimum of 604 gorillas, representing a 26% increase from the previous estimate in 2010.
Researchers found that chimpanzees use distinct 'hoo' variants in different behavioral contexts, such as travel and rest. These variations enable receivers to respond appropriately and maintain cohesion, facilitating cooperation.
Chimpanzees in the African savanna show significant physiological difficulty when temperatures are high and water is scarce, leading to dehydration and thermoregulatory stress. Despite these challenges, some chimpanzees have developed strategies to cope with food scarcity, such as relying on non-fruit foods like termites and bark.
A well-preserved horse burial at Tombos has provided new insights into the social significance of equids in the Nile Valley during the Third Intermediate Period. The discovery suggests that horses represented symbols of a larger social, political and economic movement in ancient Nubian culture.
The Boras extend their language reach by a factor of 100 using drummed speech with rhythmic units encoded in pauses between beats. Drummed speech allows them to convey meaning and distinguish words through tone and rhythm.
A study by David Casagrande explores the attitudes and perception of flood risk in US coastal communities. Residents employ rationalizations such as scapegoating and social comparison to avoid making difficult decisions, rather than taking steps to mitigate damage. This research highlights the importance of addressing individual belief...
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that early settlers in interior western Canada used the Pacific coastal route to reach temperate North America, contradicting traditional theories of migration. The fluted spear points provide evidence supporting new genetic models explaining how humans colonized the New World.
New research pushes back the first glaciation and early human appearance in central Germany by 100,000 years. The study used luminescence dating to determine the age of river deposits containing Lower- and Middle Paleolithic stone artefacts.
The study of five late Neandertals' genomes provides evidence for a turnover in the Neandertal population towards the end of their history. The genomes also show that Neandertals were more similar to modern humans outside Africa than an older Neandertal from Siberia.
A team of researchers found evidence of early humans using coloring materials and obtaining raw materials from distant sources around 320,000 years ago. This discovery pushes back the evolutionary timeline and suggests that early humans developed social networks and complex behaviors earlier than previously thought.
A researcher re-examined seven bone measurements from 1940 and found they were more similar to Amelia Earhart than 99% of individuals in a large reference sample. The study concluded that the bones belonged to Earhart, citing evidence including her humerus and radius lengths.
Researchers used Uranium-Thorium dating to determine the age of cave art in Spain, finding it was created by Neanderthals over 64,000 years ago, predating modern human arrival in Europe. This discovery suggests that Neanderthals shared symbolic thinking and cognitive abilities with early Homo sapiens.
Researchers found that cranial modifications in the ancient Andes were associated with group identity and increased social inequality. The practice, which involved binding and reshaping a baby's head, became more common between 1100-1450 AD, particularly among elite groups.
Middle school students who used personalized DNA and genealogy learned as much as their peers who used case studies. The curriculum encouraged students to explore their personal histories and cultures, fostering engagement with science and promoting understanding of complex topics like race and genetics.
The study reveals that Bornean orangutan populations are declining faster than expected, with deforested areas and agricultural land showing the most significant rates of decline. However, some populations appear to be relatively stable, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts to prevent further losses.
Researchers recreated prehistoric projectiles and points from ancient sites in Alaska to understand technological choices made by early humans. The study found that composite microblade points were more effective on smaller prey, while stone and bone points had strengths for larger game.
Researchers found that the modern human brain shape developed gradually within the species, with fossils showing a transition from elongated to globular shapes between 100,000 and 35,000 years ago. This evolution was independent of brain size and was accompanied by changes in early brain development.
The discovery of the Misliya fossil suggests that Homo sapiens left Africa at least 50,000 years earlier than previously thought. The fossil, found in Israel, is between 175,000-200,000 years old and provides evidence of modern humans meeting and interacting with other archaic human groups.
Recent research suggests up to 5% of modern humans' DNA originated from Neanderthal populations, sparking questions about species' genetic makeup. Dr. Anthony J. Tosi's new NSF-funded project aims to investigate the evolutionary mechanics of hybridization across a primate radiation.
A new study suggests that societal scale, rather than overall violence levels, is the primary driver of conflict-related casualties. The researchers analyzed data from 295 societies and 430 historical conflicts to find a deep scaling law guiding social organization, which explains trends in war group size and conflict casualties.
The study found that societies with larger populations have smaller war groups, leading to fewer casualties. The researchers gathered data from 295 societies and 430 historical conflicts to demonstrate the scaling law guiding social organization.
Antipodal words, encapsulating opposites, offer sharp communication and irony. They articulate predation, violence, and human excess, briefly opening a semiotic window onto the unspeakable.
A team led by Purdue University anthropology professor Erik Otárola-Castillo used 3D imaging, shape analysis, and Bayesian statistics to accurately measure animal bone cut marks with an 88 percent success rate. This technique improves upon existing archaeological methods, enabling a more accurate understanding of human evolution.
Research reveals high degrees of wealth-based inequality led to unstable ancient societies, contrasting with modern expectations.
Researchers studied wild-born bonobos at a sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The results showed that bonobos will help strangers get food even when there is no immediate payback. This behavior is linked to a basic form of empathy called emotional contagion, which suggests that bonobos are also contagious with yawning.
A team of researchers, led by Luke Premo, question the widely accepted timeline of human cultural transmission, suggesting that it may be much more recent. They propose that the Oldowan tool, believed to be one of the first stone tools made by humans, could have been learned through innate skill rather than cultural transmission.
A Florida State University researcher challenges the idea that modern civilization reduces violence by arguing it may actually increase the likelihood of surviving a war. Studies on chimpanzees and human societies show that larger populations lead to more deaths in conflicts.
Researchers Dean Falk and Charles Hildebolt question the idea that larger populations are less prone to violence. Contrary to Steven Pinker's theory, they found that war deaths scale similarly with population sizes across all levels of human society.
A team of University of Arizona researchers has discovered that a previously thought to be small turquoise mine was actually a significant source of the mineral, producing 25% more turquoise than previously estimated. The study uses both archaeology and geochemistry to gain a complete picture of operations at the mine.
A new report found that field site directors who fail to establish clear ground rules are more likely to tolerate or engage in harassment. The study also highlights the importance of positive leadership, mutual support, and inclusion for creating a safe work environment.
Archaeologists discovered ancient Egyptian-like plant impressions indicating that prehistoric peoples in the Butana Group were cultivating wild sorghum until it was genetically altered into a domesticated form. This finding pushes back the process for domesticating summer rainfall cereals by over a thousand years.
A study led by the University of Arizona found that dogs with leash aggression had higher levels of total vasopressin, while those without exhibited higher oxytocin and oxytocin-to-vasopressin ratios. This supports the idea that oxytocin may help inhibit aggression in dogs.
Researchers suggest that understanding the root cause of fan violence could lead to positive outcomes and even reduce extremism. By harnessing motivations such as loyalty and belonging, football fans can be encouraged to channel their energy into pro-social activities.
A vast ancient trading network operating in Vietnam from 4,500 to 3,000 years ago has been uncovered by archaeologists. The network included specialist tool-makers and technological knowledge, with items manufactured and circulated over hundreds of kilometres.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that maize was sufficiently domesticated 4,300 years ago in Honduras, contrary to previous Mexico-based theories. The site's exceptional preservation and high-precision dating methods revealed larger cobs with more rows than typically found in Mexico.
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research is funding a junior research group at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz to analyze jihadist images and videos. The project aims to understand how this material proliferates online and affects various audience groups.
Researchers analyzed projectile points to find evidence of increased experimentation in tool production, suggesting a decrease in social interactions among North American populations. The findings provide insights into the changing hunter-gatherer social dynamics during this period.
Researchers found that hairless dogs lack specific lingual cusps on their molars and premolars due to FOXI3 gene variation. The study suggests the gene may also play a role in human tooth morphology.
The study reveals that ancient Rapa Nui people consumed a balanced diet of seafood and terrestrial resources, with evidence suggesting deliberate management of agricultural crops. This challenges the ecocide hypothesis, which attributes societal collapse to environmental destruction.
A team of scientists has documented early, permanent human settlement in the Andes dating back to around 8,000 years ago. The findings suggest that hunter-gatherers adapted to high-elevation life and survived year-round despite harsh conditions.
Researchers analyzed ancient Roman skulls using state-of-the-art forensic techniques to identify significant cranial differences between coastal communities. The findings suggest that the area around Velia had a large Greek population, influencing local physical characteristics.
Scientists at Max-Planck Institute develop new method to retrieve hominin DNA from cave sediments, revealing genetic affiliations of ancient humans. The discovery sheds light on human evolution, allowing researchers to uncover the genetic history of extinct species like Neandertals and Denisovans.
A new study of ancient DNA from northwest North America finds evidence of genetic continuity spanning over 10,000 years. The research suggests that indigenous groups living today in southern Alaska and British Columbia are descendants of the first humans to inhabit the region, supporting their oral traditions.
Researchers uncover sophisticated irrigation and water-management techniques used by ancient Puebloans in the American Southwest, including the use of corn as a water-intensive crop. The team's findings shed light on how past societies managed their environment and survive in dry deserts, informing modern sustainability strategies.
A review of studies on menopause symptoms found that women frequently use alternative treatments but often don't inform their doctors. The University of Delaware study suggests improving communication between healthcare providers and patients using CAM can boost treatment efficacy.
Researchers analyzed cranial traits to determine Scythian gene pool formation. Results suggest both hypotheses of Scythian ethnogenesis are partially correct, indicating a mix of Central Asian migrants and local Srubnaya culture populations.
A new epoch name could raise awareness about humanity's planetary-scale impact and encourage action on climate change. However, it may also perpetuate technological hubris and ecomyopia, a phenomenon where societies ignore or fail to act on ecological information.
A team of archaeologists and biological anthropologists have discovered that a matrilineal dynasty likely ruled Pueblo Bonito in New Mexico for over 300 years. The study, published in Nature Communications, used radiocarbon dating and ancient DNA analysis to show that the leadership was inherited through the maternal line.
Researchers used wireless tracking technology to map social interactions in remote hunter-gatherer populations, showing that close friendships facilitate the exchange of information and culture. Strong friendships are more important than family ties in predicting levels of shared knowledge among individuals.
A study found that chimpanzees are more likely to reproduce with mates whose genetic makeup differs from their own, suggesting a unique mating strategy. This preference may help reduce inbreeding depression and increase infant survival rates among chimps.
Researchers used computer technology to learn how past societies responded to climate change, identifying crops and strategies that can be useful today. The studies found that drought-tolerant crops like Hopi corn and foxtail millet could become crucial for human survival in areas impacted by climate change.
A new study by University of Colorado Denver researcher Sarah Horton challenges common portrayals of identity theft in workplaces dominated by undocumented immigrants. Many employers furnish workers with invented or borrowed work authorization documents, a practice she has termed 'identity loan'. This study highlights the active role e...
A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that American Indian adults who experienced early life trauma are at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and poor physical health. The research highlights the importance of addressing early interventions to minimize this risk.
Researchers found wild chimpanzees in Guinea using long and robust sticks as tools to extract freshwater green algae from streams and ponds. This new behaviour variant differs from previous reports and suggests that algae provide an important nutritional benefit during the dry season.
A new study suggests that Mary Shelley's novel 'Frankenstein' is rooted in biology and warns of the consequences of unchecked population growth. Researchers found that a growing population of creatures could drive humans to extinction within 4,000 years.
Researchers found atypical burials with signs of violence, challenging traditional theories of witchcraft and blood feuds. The study suggests that violence was used to signal power and prestige, potentially leading to further conflict and biological fitness benefits.
Researchers observed wild chimpanzee mothers teaching their offspring to use tools, including termite-fishing probes. By sharing tools and customizing the learning process for local conditions, these mothers help their young develop essential skill sets.
Three-year-olds quickly grasp social norms and infer them from observation, even without direct instruction. They expect others to follow these norms, protesting when they are broken.
A new UT study found that human limbs do not evolve independently, but are influenced by genetic correlations with other bones. The research challenged traditional theories on body shape and size, suggesting that multiple forces shape human form in response to environmental factors.