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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
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Scientists try out stone age tools to understand how they were used

Researchers crafted replicas of Early Upper Paleolithic stone age tools and used them for various tasks. They found that combining macroscopic and microscopic traces can help identify tool functions, potentially pushing back the timeline for woodworking innovation.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateFeb 17, 2024

Central Asia identified as a key region for human ancestors

Researchers uncovered favorable environments for hominins in Central Asia's steppe and semi-arid zones during the Pleistocene era. The study suggests that these regions were crucial for early human dispersals out of Africa and through Asia.

SourceCleveland Museum of Natural History·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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

Paleolithic transitions in the Levant

A new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals evidence of an early transition to the Upper Paleolithic period in the Levant, dating back 50,000 years. The shift is marked by changes in stone tool production and is thought to have coincided with the arrival of Homo sapiens.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2021

Prehistoric village links old and new stone ages

Excavations in the Jordan Valley revealed a prehistoric village with cultural characteristics typical of both the Old Stone Age and the New Stone Age. The site shows evidence of artistic tradition, size, and investment in architecture more typical of early agricultural communities.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 18, 2016

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
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.