A study by Dr. Andrew Sanchez shows how joking relationships between colleagues enable people to distance themselves from the values that inform religious and ethnic violence. This exchange of humorous insults implicitly critiques public life of ethnic difference, operating on more tolerant principles rooted in the present.
Researchers discovered chimpanzees in West Africa throwing stones at trees, resulting in accumulations of rocks at these sites. The behavior appears to have cultural elements and has been observed in adult males and females, with no apparent link to foraging or resource availability.
A new study published in American Anthropologist reveals the transformation of Egyptian and Nubian culture through cultural entanglement. The researchers found that individual choices played a significant role in shaping the development of the Nubian state, allowing it to eventually conquer Egypt.
Researchers found genetic evidence of interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans, occurring around 100,000 years ago. This event likely occurred when some modern humans left Africa early and mixed with Neanderthals.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are using ancient DNA analysis to study the human microbiome and its impact on health. They have found that human behavior over the past 2000 years has impacted the gut microbiome, leading to disturbed microbial communities.
A new article by Melissa Melby and colleagues highlights the need for cultural humility and specialized cross-cultural training in short-term global health programs. The authors propose four core principles to guide program development and participant evaluation, aiming to improve outcomes for both students and communities.
A new study finds that prehistoric farming and non-farming societies in North America and Europe experienced the same long-term annual growth rate of 0.041 percent, challenging the notion that agriculture accelerated population growth.
A new study published in Current Anthropology found that religion often created strong ties within communities, impeding the creation of state institutions. In contrast, elites in other regions used their religious roles to mediate between their communities and gods, leading to conflict with traditional leaders.
Researchers found that Rudolph's luminescent nose is effective as a fog light due to its maximum level of redness visible to mammals. However, excessive heat loss poses a risk to Rudolph's hypothermia, highlighting the importance of high-calorie foods.
A new study has developed pediatric pain measures to help doctors better evaluate and treat children with chronic pain conditions. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Cincinnati, found that traditional pain measures used for adults were uncomfortable for younger children and had limited vocabulary.
Research suggests that wild pumpkin and squash were initially used for non-food purposes, such as containers and tools, before humans discovered their edible value. The loss of megafauna allowed wild plants to grow in new environments, leading to the evolution of palatability.
A University of Cincinnati professor examines how casting agents with anthropological training navigate conservative views in the fashion industry. Her research reveals that these individuals often turn to creative outlets like documentaries and blogs, highlighting the evolving role of anthropology in understanding professionals.
A new study by University of Notre Dame anthropologists found that aging U.S. men with emotionally supportive relationships have lower testosterone levels compared to their less supportive counterparts. This connection may help explain the link between social support and improved overall health.
Two infants buried in Alaska, 11,500 years ago, share genetic material with Native Americans in North and South America. The study supports the Beringian standstill model, suggesting that Native Americans descended from Asian migrants who spent time in Beringia before moving to the Americas.
The feet of Homo naledi, a newly discovered human ancestor, are remarkably similar to those of modern humans in form and structure. This suggests that Homo naledi was a long-distance traveler with an arched foot, similar to early human species such as Homo erectus.
The kiwi genome sequencing reveals several genes involved in colour vision are inactivated, while the diversity of odorant receptors is higher than in other birds, indicating a reliance on their sense of smell for foraging. Genetic changes occurred about 35 million years ago, reflecting the kiwi's adaptation to its nocturnal lifestyle.
A new study reveals that ancient El Niño events controlled Baja bunny populations over the past 10,000 years. The research analyzed 3,463 bunny bones and found a strong correlation between El Niño frequency and rabbit abundance.
A new study has successfully detected epigenetic marks in 29 out of 30 ancient human remains from five North American archaeological sites, spanning over 4,500 years. The findings could provide insights into how past environments affected the physical traits and health of ancient populations.
A new UCL study reveals that sex equality in residential decision-making explains the unique social structure of hunter-gatherers. The research found that when both men and women have influence over camp assortment, group relatedness is much lower due to individuals seeking to live with as many kin as possible.
A study by Durham University found that men wearing red are perceived as more aggressive and dominant than those in blue or grey. The results suggest that the colour red is a warning signal in nature and may influence social perceptions of dominance and aggression.
Researchers used high-throughput sequencing to analyze fecal DNA of saddleback tamarins, identifying 20 families and genera of invertebrates consumed. This study complements behavioral observations and ecological sampling, providing insight into the monkeys' foraging strategies.
Researchers examine how anthropology is applied in the courtroom, highlighting differences between cultural anthropologists' definitions of culture and the legal system's understanding. Leila Rodriguez presents her own experience testifying in a sexual abuse case, discussing approaches to data collection and its impact on testimony.
The Journal of Cybersecurity is an open-access title that aims to tackle cybersecurity challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. It will publish high-impact research from various disciplines, including anthropology, computer science, economics, and psychology.
Researchers analyzed indicators of conflict and intergroup interaction in Eastern North America, finding that warfare varied widely over time and space. They identified patterns across extremely large areas, including fortified settlements and skeletal remains of warfare victims.
Researchers found that communities with stronger social connections were better equipped to manage crises like the megadrought in the Southwest. This finding has implications for modern crisis management research.
A fossil skull discovered in Israel's Manot Cave provides strong evidence of the first modern human migration to Europe, dating back 55,000 years. The analysis reveals a close genetic relationship between ancient Europeans and modern humans from Africa, challenging previous theories about the origins of European modern humans.
Researchers found that Australopithecus africanus, a 3-2 million-year-old species from South Africa, had a human-like trabecular bone pattern in the hand bones consistent with forceful opposition of the thumb and fingers. This suggests that early humans used their hands to exert precision and power, similar to modern humans.
Early human ancestors, such as Australopithecus africanus, used human-like hand postures for forceful precision and power gripping 3-2 million years ago. This discovery supports archaeological evidence for stone tool use among fossil australopiths.
A new study reveals that the oldest primate ancestors lived in trees, accessing food sources unavailable to ground-dwelling species. The discovery provides evidence of arboreal life evolving early in the history of primates, with Purgatorius, a tiny tree shrew-like creature, being estimated to have weighed about 3.5 ounces.
A CU Denver study reveals that experiencing racial discrimination during pregnancy can significantly impact a woman's physical health and pass these effects on to her infant. The research found an association between maternal ethnic discrimination and increased levels of stress hormones in pregnant women and their infants.
Researchers Susan Alt and Timothy R. Pauketat have been awarded $640,000 in grants to continue their study of Cahokia Mounds, uncovering new insights into the history of civilizations. The projects focus on the role of religion in organizing complex societies, with a emphasis on archaeology, anthropology and cultural innovation.
Carola Lentz's book 'Land, Mobility, and Belonging in the West African Savanna' analyzes narratives and rituals used by Dagara immigrants to legitimize property claims. The research highlights the importance of controversies over land ownership and its impact on immigrant settlers' legitimacy.
Research reveals that human incisors grow quickly in the second trimester of fetal development, allowing them to erupt at six months. This rapid growth is thought to be an adaptation for early weaning, as it enables babies to transition from breast milk to solid foods sooner.
A recent study by Dana Bardolph found that female authors are underrepresented in American archaeology journals, accounting for less than 29% of published articles. The research suggests a pervasive gender bias in academia and publishing, with potential factors including authorial behavior and the submission process.
A University of Utah study found that men with better spatial skills traveled farther and had more children with multiple women. The researchers tested members of two African tribes and discovered a link between spatial ability, navigation, and reproductive success.
Researchers found eight genome regions that contributed to tameness and aggression, including genes involved in nervous system development. The study sheds light on the genetic basis of domestication and its impact on animal behavior.
A study found that two-year-old children conform to the behavior of their peers more often than great apes. Children conformed more than half the time, while chimpanzees and orangutans stuck to their learned strategy.
Researchers studied wild chimpanzee behavior in the Taí National Park, finding that they plan their breakfast time, type, and location to access limited figs. Chimpanzees depart earlier for distant fig sites, positioning their nests near these locations to maximize food acquisition.
Researchers found that chimpanzees strategically plan their breakfast time and location based on environmental factors and food availability, taking risks to secure desired fruits. The study reveals the complexity of chimpanzee cognitive behavior in complex environments.
A study published in PNAS found that the Foxp2 gene enhances learning ability, allowing humans to acquire and creatively manipulate spoken language more quickly than other animals. The gene modulates the balance between conscious and unconscious learning processes, enabling faster language acquisition.
Researchers found that the human version of the Foxp2 gene helps transform new experiences into routine procedures, enabling faster learning and better habit formation. The gene's protein, a transcription factor, regulates synaptic connections between neurons, allowing for more efficient learning and language acquisition.
A new study led by Northwestern University anthropologists reveals that energy is funneled to the brain early in life, dominating metabolism and leading to slow body growth during childhood. The study finds that brain development peaks at age 5, when it consumes glucose at a rate comparable to 66% of the body's resting metabolic rate.
A survey of 142 men and 516 women in scientific disciplines reveals that many experienced sexual harassment or assault while conducting field research. The majority of respondents reported experiencing inappropriate remarks or comments about physical beauty, with over 20% reporting unwanted physical contact.
Researchers found that Old World monkeys have developed distinct facial features to prevent hybridization. The study used facial recognition algorithms to quantify visual cues and confirmed the role of visual signals in maintaining reproductive isolation between populations.
Researchers estimate that a small village has only 40 members, making it highly vulnerable to extinction. Remote surveillance using satellite images can track the tribe's demographic health and movements without disrupting their lives.
Researchers analyzed the gut microbiota of Hadza hunter-gatherers, revealing a unique microbial profile that supports their adaptation to a foraging subsistence pattern. The study found differences in gut microbiota between sexes, reflecting sexual division of labor and having implications for fertility and reproductive success.
Researchers found that European humans have a higher number of Neanderthal variants in genes related to lipid breakdown, which may have provided a selective advantage. This study suggests that Neanderthal ancestry has driven evolutionary changes in lipid processing and brain composition among Europeans.
Researchers are using a unique approach to climate change vulnerability, involving community stakeholders and scenario-building techniques. The study focuses on two geographic case studies, Big Hole Valley in Montana and Grand County in Colorado, exploring how communities can prepare for future ecological hazards.
Researchers found that male and female owl monkeys were genetically monogamous, with no cases of extra-pair paternity. The team discovered a strong connection between a species' faithfulness and significant involvement of males in caring for their young.
Recent research in biological anthropology explores how global environmental variations shape human health and biology. The studies examine the effects of diet, energy dynamics, and chronic inflammation on human reproduction, nutrition, and disease prevalence.
Researchers discovered 45 trepanation procedures on human remains in Peru's Andahuaylas caves dating back to AD 1000-1250. The ancient practice was used to treat various ailments and conditions, with varying techniques employed by practitioners.
A partial skeleton of Paranthropus boisei, a human ancestor characterized by its 'robust' jaw and skull bones, has been found in Tanzania. The find suggests that the species was more ruggedly built than previously thought and had strong forearms and powerful upper body.
Researchers have successfully extracted and sequenced the oldest hominin DNA to date from a 400,000-year-old fossil from Sima de los Huesos in Northern Spain. The mitochondrial genome sequence reveals that the ancient hominins are related to Denisovans and share a common ancestor with them about 700,000 years ago.
Researchers at UC Davis have found evidence that Neandertals, not modern humans, made the first specialized bone tools in Europe. The discoveries were made by undergraduate student Naomi Martisius and her adviser Teresa E. Steele, who identified the tools as part of a decade-long excavation project.
Archaeologists at the University of Bonn have discovered a 1,400-year-old mass grave containing 24 skeletons from the Maya civilization. The remains show signs of violent death and dismemberment, including decapitation and hatchet marks.
Researchers found that reciprocity is a significant factor in food sharing, similar across humans, monkeys, and apes. Humans tend to exchange food for food, while primates barter for services like grooming or coalition support.
Researchers found that suitable habitats were settled first by early migrants, leading to a diverse patchwork of language groups. This process may account for global ethnolinguistic patterns.
UCSB researchers found that tree chopping increases testosterone levels more than soccer, improving muscle energy and performance. The study suggests that Tsimane men maintain high testosterone levels due to their physically demanding lifestyle, contrary to industrialized populations.
Two research teams discovered Neandertal bone tools in southwest France, similar to later modern human sites and used today by high-end leather workers. The tools, called lissoirs, were made from deer ribs and polished for softening and water-resistance, dating back approximately 50 thousand years.
Researchers found that female motivation to help offspring and attractiveness significantly influence the outcome of intersexual conflicts in wild bonobos. Attractive females are more likely to win conflicts against males, with males displaying reduced aggression during times of elevated fecundity.