New research from Cornell University challenges widely accepted radiocarbon dating standards, potentially altering historical timelines for the southern Levant region. The study reveals variations in the radiocarbon cycle, causing offsets of up to 20 years in calibration, which could be related to climatic conditions.
A study published in Scientific Reports found microfossils of fish and plant remains in a Mesolithic skeleton, providing evidence of a varied diet that included both aquatic and terrestrial food sources. The discovery sheds light on the lifestyle of early people in the Mediterranean region during this period.
Two ancient populations that diverged later 'reconverged' in the Americas, according to a new genetic study. The study challenges previous research suggesting a single ancestral branch for Native Americans.
A 2.5 metre-deep excavation at Eastland Port uncovered moa bones and stone tools made of obsidian and chert, dating back to the early 1300s.
Researchers used historical aerial imagery and modern airborne laser scanning to locate and contextualize archaeological features in Jerash, Jordan. The study revealed previously unmapped structures and refined the city's water supply system, providing insights into ancient society.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered that southern Africa was significantly wetter and housed a plant community unlike any other in the modern African savanna two million years ago. Human ancestors lived in environments other than open, arid grasslands during this time period.
Researchers found that construction of the Grand Caillou mound began around 800 years ago and was abandoned 600 years later, likely due to changes in the river channel. The site's architecture suggests a high level of environmental and engineering expertise among its builders.
Researchers studied the Grand Caillou mound in coastal Louisiana, uncovering a timeline of natural and human events that shaped its construction and abandonment. The study provides insights into how Native peoples selected their villages' locations, using methods such as sediment coring and radiocarbon dating.
The study identifies at least three major waves of human migration into Southeast Asia, shaping the genetics of the region to a remarkable extent. The research complements archaeological, historical and linguistic studies, illuminating another critical portion of the story of ancient population dynamics around the world.
Dr. Catherine Frieman's excavation uncovers intact 4,000-year-old cremation and evidence of unaccountable medieval activity on the same site. The team found a large mound over the burial that existed from prehistory to the middle ages, protecting the center of the barrow.
Four young researchers from abroad receive EU Individual Fellowships to initiate new research projects in physics and palaeogenomics. They will investigate topics such as spin transport, Higgs boson interactions, population dynamics, and quantum physics.
The discovery provides first evidence of the use of a bridle bit to control an animal in the Near East before the appearance of horses. The study reveals that early domestic donkeys were controlled using soft bits, likely made from rope or wood.
The study reveals a stunning relation between ceremonial sites and cemeteries, underpinning complex Andean concepts of death and renewal. It was discovered that the site's features can be related to the surrounding landscape, highlighting the importance of Kipia as a local huaca.
Researchers at the University of York found that individuals with 'detail focus', a trait linked to autism, led to realistic cave drawings across Europe. They argued that drugs were unlikely behind this art movement.
Research finds current Kyl-Bingaman Amendment limits US satellite imagery resolution, restricting scientific research opportunities in Israel and Palestine. An 'open-skies policy' is recommended to meet international standard of 0.5m.
Researchers used scanning transmission electron microscopy to reveal a filamentous pattern of long, curved crystals in bone. A previously unknown substructure was discovered: rose-shaped crystals arranged into left-handed helices.
Researchers from Bar-Ilan University have uncovered new evidence supporting the existence of Israel's united monarchy. The findings suggest that the Kingdom extended beyond Jerusalem's immediate surroundings, with a large residence discovered at Tel 'Eton in the Shephelah region dating back to the 10th century BCE.
Researchers used stable carbon and oxygen isotope analysis to show that some individuals subsisted primarily on forest resources, while others relied on agriculture through trade. The study's findings are significant for the Wanniyalaeto people's battles to remain on their traditional hunting grounds.
Archaeologists discovered evidence of ancient Neolithic communities using fungi as tinder to start and transport fires at the La Draga site. Researchers analyzed a unique set of remains, finding six fungal species used for this purpose, including Daedalea quercina and Coriolopsis gallica.
A 3,000-year-old horse burial in Sudan has provided significant insights into the Kushite state formation and the role of horses in ancient Nubian culture. The discovery, dated to around 950 BC, reveals that horses were central to the state's identity and foreshadowed later developments in Nubian kingship.
Historian Prof. Dr Gerd Althoff argues that peace agreements have historically been successful when opponents establish genuine trust, rather than relying solely on confidence-building measures. This approach emphasizes forgiveness, mutual visits, and friendly conversation to create a foundation for long-term peace.
Astronomers have revealed the 'DNA' of over 340,000 stars in the Milky Way, tracing their ancestry and composition. The GALAH survey aims to make DNA matches between stars to find long-lost sisters and brothers of the Sun.
Scientists identified critical genetic changes that can lead to kidney cancer, with the first mutation occurring in childhood or adolescence. The findings suggest that early detection and intervention may be possible, particularly for high-risk groups.
Researchers at Leang Burung 2 rock shelter on Sulawesi island discovered archaic cobble-based cores and flakes indicating human occupation at least 50,000 years ago. The findings provide key insights into early human occupation and cultural evolution in the Indonesian region.
A Bronze-Age burial mound in Cornwall has been discovered, dating back 2,000 BC. The site will be excavated to uncover its secrets and shed light on the region's prehistoric past.
A new study suggests that Silk Road cities had limited and monotonous diets, while nomadic communities enjoyed a diverse smorgasbord of foods. Researchers used isotopic analysis of human bones to unlock information about ancient dietary regimens.
Research at the Ii Hamina cemetery found that the diet of medieval residents consisted mainly of fish, with 70% of protein consumption attributed to fish-based food. This suggests a strong reliance on waterways and an underemphasis on farming and dairying in the region.
Researchers have found evidence of early human trading, color pigments, and sophisticated tools in eastern Africa, approximately 320,000 years ago. These discoveries suggest that humans adapted to an unpredictable environment through innovation and social exchange networks.
New research reveals Neanderthal healthcare was widespread and effective, with a focus on caring for injured peers. Despite severe injuries, individuals remained part of the group, highlighting the social significance of healthcare in Neanderthal society.
Researchers from ANU have created a comprehensive study on the origins of people in Vanuatu, using DNA analyses and archaeological evidence. The results confirm that Vanuatu's first people arrived 3,000 years ago from South East Asia, with Papuan arrivals following shortly after.
The diffusion of bell beakers in continental Europe was driven by the dissemination of ideas rather than migration, according to a recent genetic study. This finding refutes the long-accepted theory that the spread of cultural elements was associated with significant migrant movements.
Researchers have found that the Botai horses from Kazakhstan are not the ancestors of modern domesticated breeds but rather the ancestors of wild Przewalski horses. The study also revealed that there are no surviving purely wild horses, and the earliest domestic horses gave rise to feral populations.
A new study has found that Przewalski's horses are not the last wild horse species, but rather feral, descended from the earliest-known instance of horse domestication by the Botai people in northern Kazakhstan. The research also reveals that modern domesticated horses did not descend from these early domesticated horses.
A new themed issue of the Royal Society journal explores human evolution through an interdisciplinary lens, combining biological, anthropological and cultural perspectives. Researchers found that English speakers' regional dialects influenced Sranan creole's development, shedding light on events in human history with few other traces.
A mass grave uncovered in Repton, Derbyshire, has been dated to the late 9th century, consistent with the Viking Great Army's presence in England. The graves contain a mix of men and women, including several with signs of violent injury, suggesting a possible ritual burial site.
A jawbone dating to 177,000-194,000 years ago has revealed that modern humans were present in the Levant at least 50,000 years earlier than previously thought. The discovery suggests an earlier demographic replacement or genetic admixture with local populations.
Researchers have recovered over 2000 artefacts from the edges of contracting glacial ice in Norway, dating back to 4000 BC. The finds suggest a pattern of increased activity in the Late Antique Little Ice Age and again during the Viking Age, likely driven by changes in climate and human migration.
Researchers uncovered the origins of domesticated turkeys in ancient Mexico, finding they were valued for their cultural significance rather than just for meat. The study suggests a thriving turkey trade along Mesoamerica's expanding trade routes.
The Goethe University Frankfurt's Nok research project has been awarded €1.5 million in funding to continue its 12-year study of the 2,500-year-old Nigerian Nok Culture. The project has uncovered significant insights into chronology, settlement, land use, and environment.
Christine Cave's new method reveals that it was not uncommon for people to live to old age in traditional societies. The study found that the most common age of death was around 70, similar across cultures.
Japanese researchers from Osaka University have developed a muon-based approach to non-destructive investigations for unique asteroid samples. The technique enables the study of extraterrestrial organics and major elements without destroying the samples, with potential applications in archaeology, material science, and social sciences.
Research suggests that larger wine glasses may be linked to increased drinking in England over the past two decades. The average capacity of wine glasses in England has increased from 66 mL in 1700 to 449 mL in 2017, a sevenfold rise.
A new study reveals that the original inhabitants of the Chachapoyas region in Peru remained genetically distinct from the Inca Empire, resisting forced assimilation. The research uses DNA analysis to challenge traditional accounts of the Incas' conquest of the area.
Researchers used a combination of advanced imaging techniques to examine a second-century Egyptian painting, revealing details about the artist's materials and techniques. The study provided insights into fashions and artistic methods popular at the time.
Rock engravings in Western Venezuela, dating up to 2,000 years old, have been mapped in unprecedented detail. The largest panel contains 93 individual engravings, including depictions of animals, humans, and cultural rituals.
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.
A new study reveals prehistoric women had up to 30% stronger arm bones than modern rowers due to activities like grinding grain and performing manual labor. The research suggests that the varied work of early agricultural women played a crucial role in shaping their physical strength.
A study analyzing heritage data from the Digital Index of North American Archaeology predicts that sea-level rise will destroy vast numbers of archaeological sites and cultural landscapes in the southeastern US. Over 13,000 recorded sites are at risk, including over 1,000 listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Archaeologist Alan Sullivan argues that prehistoric people used fire to promote the growth of edible plants such as amaranth and chenopodium. Lab analysis found ancient pollen from clay pots with only six out of 6,000 grains identified as corn.
New research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests ancient barley took a southern route to China, adapting to seasonal challenges along the way. The study, published in PLOS One, analyzed radiocarbon data and DNA evidence from ancient grains in China, India, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan.
The study found that hunter-gatherer societies had low wealth disparities, while larger agricultural societies saw increasing inequality. The researchers attribute this to the domestication of plants and large animals, which led to increased social organization and wealth concentration.
A new study of 311 hominin fossils spanning four million years shows that stature and body mass advanced at different speeds. Hominin bodies evolved in 'pulse and stasis' fluctuations, with some lineages even shrinking.
Researchers have discovered a method to identify Vitamin D deficiency through dental X-ray images. The study found that the shape of the pulp horn in a tooth can indicate prior deficiency, allowing for early detection and prevention of related bone health issues.
Academics uncover extensive and undocumented rock art deep inside Puerto Rico's Mona Island cave systems, featuring human, animal, and meandering designs. The team's multi-method characterization of the materials and practices reveals pre-Columbian artwork with dating and insights into artistic choices.
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.
Research shows that Neolithic farmers in southern Scandinavia contributed to the development of Indo-European vocabulary before their own language went extinct. Words like 'pea', 'shrimp' and 'turnip' entered Indo-European from local cultures, highlighting cultural exchange between 2,800-2,600 BC.
A new study has pushed back the emergence of modern humans by an estimated 50,000 years to between 350,000 and 260,000 years ago. The findings were made possible by a collaboration between geneticists and archaeologists who reconstructed the full genome of a 2,000-year-old boy found in South Africa.
Researchers have demonstrated how aerial thermography is transforming archaeology by introducing a new realm of possibilities for collecting site data. The study showcases the potential of this methodology to reveal archaeological features, detect hidden structures, and analyze environmental conditions.
Researchers reconstructed African population structure using ancient DNA from 15 individuals, revealing a more complex history than previously thought. The findings show that populations related to indigenous people of southern Africa had a wider distribution in the past, contributing to ancestry of modern-day populations.