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More gorilla than chimp

A recent study on the internal anatomy of a fossil human relative's heel bone reveals greater similarities with gorillas than chimpanzees. The researchers discovered that this fossil, from the StW 352 Australopithecus africanus, exhibited gorilla-like levels of joint mobility and structural reinforcement.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateAug 11, 2016

Premature ejaculation isn't a true illness

A new review questions whether premature ejaculation is an illness, citing false assumptions and influence from drug companies. The authors suggest that physiology of ejaculation and orgasm remains intact in men with premature ejaculation.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateNov 3, 2015

The hand and foot of Homo naledi

The discovery of Homo naledi reveals a unique combination of anatomy in its hand and foot, indicating adaptation for both tree climbing and walking. The hand shows powerful grasping abilities and use of stone tools, while the foot shares features with modern humans but has more curved toe bones.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015

Human hunting weapons may not have caused the demise of the Neanderthals

A new study published in the Journal of Human Evolution suggests that technological innovations in hunting weapons may not have been a driving force behind the colonization of Europe by anatomically modern humans. The researchers found that stone tools used by humans around 40,000 years ago appeared in Europe earlier than previously th...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateApr 28, 2015

Why we have chins

University of Iowa researchers found that human chins are an evolutionary adaptation, emerging as faces became smaller. The study suggests that mechanical forces like chewing did not create the chin, but rather a geometric change in face shape led to its development.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateApr 13, 2015

How the brain's involved in wanting and having sex

The cerebral cortex region is crucial for each phase of the sexual pleasure cycle, including wanting, having, and inhibiting sex. Alterations in brain networks are linked to sexual dysfunction, highlighting the importance of brain function in sexual experiences.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateMar 2, 2015

Giant rodent used incisors like tusks

A new study led by scientists at the University of York found that the largest fossil rodent, Josephoartigasia monesi, used its incisors for activities other than biting, such as digging and defense. The rodent's powerful bite was estimated to be around 1400 N, but its incisors could withstand almost three times that force.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateFeb 3, 2015

Female sexual arousal: Facilitating pleasure and reproduction

A new review critically examines the relationship between genital anatomy, sexual arousal, and brain stimulation to understand women's sexual pleasure. The study aims to stimulate more exacting research into human female sexual functions, particularly regarding procreation and recreation.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateDec 15, 2014

'Watch' cites concern about flexible reamer breakage during anatomic ACL reconstruction

A recent report in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery has highlighted the potential issue of flexible reamer breakage during single-bundle ACL reconstruction. This has prompted a 'Watch' from JBJS to alert orthopaedic surgeons about the problem. The 'Watch' aims to help surgeons avoid similar mishaps by understanding the causes and ...

SourceJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·JournalJBJS Case Connector·DateOct 23, 2014

Cadavers beat computers for learning anatomy

A recent study published in Anatomical Sciences Education reveals that cadaver-based instruction is more effective than computer simulation in teaching anatomy. Students who learned on cadavers scored up to 16% higher on identification and 11% higher on explanation compared to those who used digital technologies.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAnatomical Sciences Education·DateOct 16, 2014

New ligament discovered in the human knee

Researchers at KU Leuven discover a previously unknown ligament in the human knee called the anterolateral ligament (ALL), present in 97% of human knees. The ALL ligament is implicated in pivot shift episodes, a common issue for patients with ACL tears.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateNov 5, 2013

Binghamton researcher studies oldest fossil hominin ear bones ever recovered

A study led by Binghamton University anthropologist Rolf Quam analyzed two species of early human ancestor in South Africa, revealing a human-like malleus that suggests changes in the bone occurred early in human evolution. The findings provide new insight into human origins and may need to be updated to include changes in this bone.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2013

Human Y chromosome much older than previously thought

A newly discovered Y chromosome variation has pushed back the age of the most recent common ancestor for the Y chromosome lineage by almost 70 percent. The findings suggest that the Y chromosome divergence occurred around 300,000 years ago, before the emergence of anatomically modern humans.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 4, 2013

An elephant that speaks Korean

Researchers found that Koshik can mimic five Korean words: 'annyong' (hello), 'anja' (sit down), 'aniya' (no), 'nuo' (lie down), and 'choah' (good). The elephant's language skills may provide insights into the biology of complex vocal learning, crucial for human speech and music.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 1, 2012

Brain scans don't lie about age

Researchers used MRI to scan brains of 885 people and identified 231 biomarkers that capture age differences well, surpassing previous biological measures. The findings suggest a 'developmental clock' in the brain, tightly controlling certain anatomical aspects of development.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 16, 2012