A new study documents fossil footprints of eight adult Paranthropus boisei individuals, indicating human-like body sizes and complex social structures. The discovery provides a rare snapshot of 'fossil behavior' from an ancient hominin group in northern Kenya.
Professor Katerina Harvati has revolutionized our understanding of human origins with her pioneering techniques in Virtual Anthropology and 3D geometric morphometrics. Her research confirms the African origin of modern humans and reveals new insights into Neanderthal species.
A new study found that unwritten social rules in small societies play a crucial role in regulating land use and maintaining forest regeneration sustainably. The research suggests that these norms can reduce the total amount of land cleared and promote biodiversity when used in moderation.
A new study reveals widespread damage to Syria's archaeological sites due to looting and bulldozing, particularly in areas occupied by the Turkish military. The researchers used satellite imagery to analyze 200 sites across Syria, finding that 59% were affected since 2015.
A Bar-Ilan University study finds that patients with chronic illnesses often feel compelled to become experts in their condition due to inadequate healthcare systems. This phenomenon is referred to as 'forced agency,' where patients must acquire and evaluate medical knowledge without formal training, leading to an 'epistemic burden.'
A new genetic study provides the most detailed picture to date of late Neandertal diversity in North-Western Europe. The researchers found that these Neandertals were part of a larger and more well-connected regional population, unlike previously seen in Siberia.
Researchers have found evidence of ancient human DNA on cave walls, even where bones or artifacts are absent. The discovery opens up new possibilities for studying prehistoric human behavior without disturbing archaeological deposits.
A new study published in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology provides physical evidence of Peruvian hairless dogs from the Wari Empire site of Castillo de Huarmey. The site, located on the Pacific coast of northern Peru, yielded dog skeletal remains that were analyzed using standard zooarchaeological methods and isotopic analysis.
Researchers from the University of Waterloo have identified four more members of Sir John Franklin's 1845 expedition using DNA samples extracted from skeletal remains. The new discoveries bring the total number of identified sailors to six, providing previously unavailable details about the circumstances and locations of their deaths.
A new study by Lee Gettler of the University of Notre Dame found that COVID-19 lockdowns had a limited lasting effect on fathers' involvement in childcare, contrary to initial reports. The 15-year longitudinal data showed no significant change in fathering behaviors before and after the pandemic, with most dads resuming their pre-pande...
Two Baylor University researchers, biologist Dwayne D. Simmons and anthropologist Samuel S. Urlacher, have been elected as AAAS Lifetime Fellows for their distinguished scientific contributions. They were recognized for their research in auditory neuroscience and life history tradeoffs in human physiology.
A study by McKenna Litynski reveals that ancient needles and awls enabled humans to survive in cold climates through tailored leather clothing and provided a range of purposes beyond clothing production. The research, published in PLOS ONE, shows that needles and awls were widely used for medical suturing, fishing, tattooing, and cerem...
A new interdisciplinary study provides detailed insights into the lives of people living in Central Europe during the Late Bronze Age, revealing gradual changes in ancestry, dietary flexibility, and mortuary practices. The research suggests that communities participated in wider networks of interaction and incorporated change into exis...
A new study published in Science reveals that diseases closely related to syphilis originated more than 5,000 years ago and were transmitted from the Americas, challenging long-held European theories. The research uses ancient DNA discoveries from Colombia and Mexico to shed light on human disease evolution and global health.
A team of geoscientists and anthropologists has reconstructed a more precise timeline of H. erectus arrival in China, confirming the presence of the species at Yunxian, China 1.7 million years ago. The revised timeline challenges long-held assumptions about early human dispersal and raises questions about alternative species that may h...
Researchers created a model using centuries of scientific theory and scholarly research to test the accuracy of chatbots in generating images and narratives about Neanderthals. The study found that accuracy rests on AI's ability to access source information, with many generated content referencing outdated research.
A new study by UCLA anthropology professor Molly Fox found that pregnancy and breastfeeding are associated with stronger long-term cognitive ability in postmenopausal women. The study used data from the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study and the Women’s Health Initiative Study of Cognitive Aging, which assessed over 7,000 women age...
A study published in Current Anthropology analyzed hair samples from Turkana communities to understand their dietary habits, revealing a dynamic and interconnected economy. The research challenges assumptions about pastoralism and highlights the ability of herders to adapt to volatile conditions.
Researchers led by Michael Wasserman are studying pesticide exposure in farming communities in Uganda, using household diaries and silicone wristbands to track human exposure. The study aims to inform communities about safe levels of exposure and suggest ways to reduce it.
The study of new hominin fossils from Thomas Quarry I in Morocco reveals an African population near the base of the Homo sapiens lineage. The 773,000-year-old fossils provide insights into the shared ancestry of H. sapiens, Neandertals, and Denisovans.
A groundbreaking study from Northwestern University found that changes to the gut microbiome can change the way the brain works across different primate species. The researchers discovered patterns of gene expression associated with conditions like ADHD and schizophrenia in mice with microbes from smaller-brained primates.
A new study reveals Africa's oldest known in situ cremation pyre containing the remains of an adult, dated around 9,500 years ago. The discovery suggests that ancient African hunter-gatherer communities had complex ritual practices involving posthumous removal and reburial of body parts.
A comparative study of 117 mammal species found that reproductive suppression increases lifespan by an average of ten percent. The study suggests that blocking reproduction allows more energy to be directed towards longevity, with significant effects observed in various mammalian groups.
The Kinsey Institute invites researchers to apply for competitive awards providing in-person access to its extensive library and special collections on topics including sex, relationships, gender, and human behavior. Applications are due February 13, 2026.
A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that around one third of proposed grammatical universals are consistently observed across all languages. The research team used complex statistical methods to analyze a large database of grammatical features and identified recurring patterns in language structures.
A new monthly series in The Lancet, led by UC Berkeley Professor Seth Holmes, provides critical lens into cultural and social forces contributing to patient conditions. It showcases the need for 'structural intercompetency' among healthcare professionals, highlighting the importance of collaborative work.
A new study found that forensic anthropology lacks standardization in case reporting practices, with areas of division and disagreement among practitioners. The researchers believe a robust standardization is needed to ensure the objectivity and quality of reports.
An international team led by University of Arizona archaeologists has discovered a large ritual construction, Aguada Fénix, dating back to 1,000 B.C. The monument measures nearly a mile long and features a cross-shaped pit with ceremonial artifacts, including jade axes and pigments associated with cardinal directions.
A team of researchers has discovered a 2.75-million-year-old site in Kenya with continuous evidence of Oldowan technology use over 300,000 years, despite major environmental changes. The study reveals that hominins persisted in using the same tool kit to access new resources and survive.
Scientists from Institut Pasteur identified Salmonella enterica and Borrelia recurrentis in remains of 13 soldiers who retreated from Russia in 1812. The study suggests these two pathogens may have contributed to the high number of deaths in Napoleon's army.
In her book 'Sonic Socialism: Crisis and Care in Pandemic Hanoi', Christina Schwenkel explores how Vietnam used sound technologies to inform, regulate, and connect people during the pandemic. The country's success was largely due to its rapid communication systems, including loudspeakers and public health videos.
Chapulines, a traditional Mexican food, have changed meaning over time from poor people's fare to tourist novelty. Locals consider them an essential source of protein, while women who sell chapulines are vital breadwinners for their families. The COVID-19 pandemic even saw innovative touchless sales during market closures.
A new study found that between 15-20% of Quebecers gambled online in 2021, with many trying it for the first time. Online gambling almost tripled in scope during this period.
Researchers used 3D modeling, field experiments to confirm how Rapa Nui people moved iconic moai statues. The team found that the statues were likely walked in a zig-zag motion along carefully designed roads using rope, with a physics-backed explanation.
A study by Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology found that women generally outlive men, with females living 12% longer on average in most mammals. This gap is attributed to genetic differences, reproductive strategies, and parental investment, which provide a survival advantage to females.
Researchers discovered that humans with Indigenous American ancestry are more likely to carry a variant of the MUC19 gene inherited from Denisovans, which may have helped them adapt to new ecosystems. The Denisovan gene variant is surrounded by DNA from Neanderthals, suggesting interbreeding between the two species.
Researchers found that behavioral flexibility is related to exploration and dispersal in great-tailed grackles. Individuals with greater flexibility exhibit more exploratory behavior, which facilitates their ability to adapt to new environments and expand their geographic range.
A new study by Max Planck Institute scientists reveals female mountain gorillas can win one in four conflicts and outrank non-alpha males. They also enjoy priority access to food resources over males they overpower, blurring the traditional male-dominated narrative.
An international team reconstructs the genetic interactions of populations in the Southern Caucasus over time, showing a mostly constant ancestry profile. Evidence of migration from neighboring regions is also found, with notable instances of cultural adoption and genealogical links to Central Eurasian Steppe populations.
A study of fossil teeth from a 56-million-year-old extinct predator reveals how animals adapted to extreme climate change. The findings suggest that limited food played a bigger role in the dietary shift than just hotter temperatures.
A new study found that early humans consumed carbohydrate-rich foods like grains and underground plant tissues before they had the ideal teeth to chew them efficiently. This suggests that behavior played a significant role in their physical evolution, allowing them to adapt to new environments despite physical limitations.
A new study has coined the term 'scrumping' to describe great apes' fondness for eating ripe, fermented fruit from the forest floor. The researchers suggest that this behavior may have played a significant role in the evolution of human alcohol tolerance.
Researchers found that people who experienced malnutrition early in life may have survived threats like plague at greater rates until young adulthood. However, this survival advantage could drop significantly when entering middle and late adult years.
A study of 25 years of behavioral observations found that gorillas' aggression is shaped by their individual needs and social environment. Pregnant and lactating females directed more aggression towards more powerful group members, while females with more males in the group targeted less powerful opponents.
A new study published in PNAS suggests that diet rather than idleness is the primary driver of obesity worldwide. The research analyzed data from over 4,200 adults across 34 populations and found a correlation between higher caloric intake and increased body fat percentage.
A new study resolves why male-female power asymmetries vary across primate societies, finding that contests between males and females are common. The research reveals that female empowerment often relies on alternative pathways, such as reproductive strategies to gain control over matings.
A new study provides evidence that pigs were domesticated from wild boars in South China approximately 8,000 years ago. The researchers analyzed molar teeth of 32 pig specimens and found starch granules, human parasite eggs, and other signs of human interaction, indicating that pigs ate cooked foods, human waste, and scavenged food fro...
A new study published in Biological Conservation shows that protocols such as quarantining, masking, and more can help prevent outbreaks like the one at Ngogo. Researchers observed a clear decrease in viral shedding and fewer instances of persistent coughs after stricter protocols were implemented.
Researchers discovered a massive 330-acre ancient agricultural site in Michigan, featuring raised field systems and clustered garden beds. The site, dating back to the 10th century, reveals intensive farming practices by ancestral Native Americans, challenging previous estimates.
The study analyzed 371 archaeological monuments in Oman and found that they changed over time in response to environmental and cultural forces. Early monuments were built by larger groups, but as the climate dried out, smaller groups constructed smaller monuments and eventually built many of them in multiple visits.
New research finds that Australopithecus sediba and Homo naledi used their hands for both tool use and climbing, with distinct patterns of finger bone structure indicating different grip types. The study reveals varying levels of dexterity and climbing abilities among ancient human relatives in South Africa.
Researchers analyzed 788 obsidian artifacts from the Templo Mayor, finding diverse sources of obsidian used for both ritual and everyday objects. The study suggests a complex economy that relied on conquest and active trade with rival polities.
Wild chimpanzees develop different attachment types to their mothers, with some showing secure and confident attachment, while others exhibit insecure-avoidant behavior. This study provides insights into the roots of human social behavior by bridging psychology, animal behavior, and anthropology.
Researchers found that wild chimpanzees use compositional and non-compositional call combinations to create new meanings, similar to human language. This suggests a highly generative vocal communication system in chimpanzees, challenging previous views on the evolution of language.
Researchers found no evidence of dancing or infant-directed song among the Northern Aché population in Paraguay. However, they do use playful speech and other methods to calm infants. The study suggests that dance and lullabies are learned behaviors that require cultural transmission.
The Westermarck Archives, stored at Åbo Akademi University Library, have been inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. The collection contains correspondence, manuscripts, notes, and photographs from Westermarck's field studies in Morocco, providing insights into anthropology, sociology, and local cultures.
The CHANCE collaboratory at Concordia University allows researchers to examine the social aspects of gambling behavior and its influence on gamblers' interactions with their environment. The facility features a simulated gaming space with interactive terminals, cameras, and conference rooms for discussion.
The study reveals that Phoenician culture spread primarily through cultural transmission and assimilation, with little direct genetic contribution from Levantine ancestors. Punic sites showcased a highly heterogeneous genetic profile, with individuals having both Sicilian-Aegean and North African ancestry.
The study reveals that animal behavioral diversity is at risk due to declining biodiversity, which can be linked to human activities. Preserving cultural behaviors, such as tool use in primates, could aid in developing comprehensive conservation strategies.
A new study models the demography of agricultural transitions, finding that population dynamics played a crucial role in the adoption of farming. The researchers used an ecological model to analyze interactions between farmers and hunter-gatherers, highlighting the impact of factors such as group migration and cultural assimilation.