Add BrightSurf on Google Email

A new study refines the dating of human past on the Cantabrian coast 18,000 years ago

A new study refines radiocarbon dating of marine remains in the Cantabrian region of Spain, improving precision for reconstructing human past during the Magdalenian period. The research provides new correction values to accurately interpret site chronology and fine-tune the 'clock' used to reconstruct Palaeolithic human populations.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalRadiocarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2026

Sedimentary rocks reveal ocean floor cooling

Researchers from the University of Göttingen have identified oxygen isotopes in 'cherts' as indicators of heat flow on early Earth. The study reveals that cherts record paleo-heat flow on the Shatsky Rise oceanic plateau, providing insights into the conditions on the Earth's surface up to 3.5 billion years ago.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalGeology·TypeNews article·DateOct 17, 2025

Oldest whale bone tools discovered

Researchers have uncovered evidence of humans using whale bones as tools from 20,000 years ago, shedding light on the marine ecology of the time and the role whales played in past ecosystems. The study identifies five species of large whales used by early humans.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2025

First evidence in the Levant (and among the first in the world) of communal worship in caves and the development of religious rituals

A 35,000-year-old ritual complex in the Manot Cave offers insight into the spiritual practices of Paleolithic hunter-gatherer groups. The discovery reveals evidence of human-made engravings, ash remains from fire, and acoustic tests that suggest a unique auditory experience for communal activities.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2024

Using rocks to hammer out a connection between visual gaze and motor skills learning

A new study published in Communications Biology found a significant connection between visual gaze and motor skills learning, as participants learned to make stone tools through video training. The researchers discovered that the connection evolved over time, with certain phases of learning being more closely tied to gaze patterns.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2021

Old is young, study finds

Researchers analyzed over 750 fossils to discover that modern humans experienced a quadrupling of survival rates among older adults. This trend is believed to have contributed to population expansions and cultural innovations, as well as strengthened social relationships and kinship bonds.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2004