Articles tagged with Cultural Anthropology
Historians have long believed that King Harold marched 200 miles to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, but new research from the University of East Anglia reveals this was a myth. The ships returned to London and remained operational throughout the year, challenging our understanding of the Norman Conquest.
A new project at the University of Bonn's BCDSS Cluster of Excellence and the Department of History aims to analyze and render visible nameless individuals in historical records. This study sheds light on the identities and power dynamics of the past, particularly in the context of slavery and colonialism.
A medieval individual buried in the Menga dolmen in Andalusia has been found to have a mixed ancestry, with uniparental lineages typical of European populations and mitochondrial DNA shared with modern North African individuals. The study sheds light on the genetic diversity of Andalusian society during the Middle Ages.
Research suggests that modernization can increase cultural differences, rather than reducing them. Thomas Talhelm's study of China's rice- and wheat-growing regions found that families in rice-growing areas tend to be more collectivistic, living in large multigenerational households and less likely to live alone.
Indigenous people in pre-European Michigan cultivated maize more prominently than previously thought. The researchers found that burial mounds were built near lakes that warmed later in spring and cooled later in fall, suggesting an extended maize-growing season and a greater cultural role for maize.
A new study explores how religious faith can complement climate science, providing hope, meaning, and motivation for continued action. Faith-based activists in Sweden and South Africa reveal that spirituality gives them strength and direction to commit to climate issues.
A study analyzing news reports, social media posts, and internet search data during the 2022-2023 South Korea drought found that public views change depending on problem size and distance from people. Public interest, emotions, and behavior also shifted as the disaster scale changed.
A new study published in Nature found that hunter-gatherers in Belgium and the Netherlands adopted farming thousands of years later than elsewhere in Europe. The research suggests that migrant women played a pivotal role in introducing farming practices, bringing their knowledge and genes to the local communities.
A new study by University of Illinois professor Brenda Straka found that demographic forms can make Latino Americans feel like outsiders in their own country. The researchers used a mock-US Census form to test how questions of race, ethnicity, and citizenship affected Latino participants' identity and perceptions of inclusion.
A new study reveals that seabird guano was a driving force behind the Chincha Kingdom's sociopolitical expansion on Peru's coast. The nutrient-rich bird droppings boosted corn yields and supercharged agriculture, fueling the kingdom's economy, trade, population growth, and regional influence.
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.
The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding the Specialized Information Service (FID) Jewish Studies for another three years, strengthening research infrastructure. The FID provides tailored information services to researchers in Jewish history, culture, and Israel studies.
Researchers analyzed dental calculus to determine the diet of Scythian communities, finding evidence of ruminant dairy consumption. They detected horse milk proteins in one individual's remains, challenging previous historical accounts.
A team of scientists analyzed 2,500 year old dental plaque to find evidence of dairy consumption among the Scythians, revealing a more diverse diet than previously thought. The study provides direct proof of horse milk consumption and highlights the potential for dairy products to provide insight into ancient cultural practices.
A study found that hydroclimatic extremes and changes in agriculture led to the collapse of the Tang dynasty in 907 CE. The research analyzed tree ring data and concluded that increased droughts and floods took a toll on the empire's outer borders and agricultural systems.
Shadrack Byfield's autobiography offers insight into the suffering and resilience of Britain's homecoming soldiers. The new evidence shows Byfield's tenacious pursuit of veterans' benefits, struggles with pain, poverty, and police, and his determination to design a custom prosthesis after losing his arm.
A new study has identified unique protein signatures linked to ethnicity and changes in physical activity, which may influence cardiometabolic health. The research found that South Asian individuals may face a higher risk of cardiometabolic disorders due to distinct immune, inflammatory, and metabolic pathways.
A new community asthma program on the Navajo Nation increased asthma-related care and awareness among families, particularly among Diné (Navajo) children. The program, led by National Jewish Health, trained healthcare and school staff to provide culturally respectful asthma care.
A study of chimpanzees reveals that infants take the greatest risks, followed by juveniles and then adolescents. This contradicts human behavior where risky behavior peaks during adolescence. The researchers suggest that human parents' ability to monitor their children may be a key factor in mitigating risk-taking behavior.
A new study synthesizes multinational research across five countries, finding that teacher noticing varies significantly across different cultural settings. The analysis emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive noticing, valuing diverse student thinking and participation.
The album marks a new era for the singer, exploring themes of performance, love, and empowerment. Scholars analyze Swift's shift from teen country singer to showgirl persona, finding optimism and hope in songs like 'Eldest Daughter' and 'Opalite'.
Hammock technology originated from indigenous cultures in the Atlantic world, according to a study at Binghamton University. The practice was later adopted by European colonists, who incorporated it into their daily lives.
A new study published by the University of Cambridge reveals that medieval Augustinian saints performed 'green-fingered' miracles, such as restoring swampy areas to fertility and healing diseased livestock. The research challenges major assumptions about the Catholic Church's forgotten early history.
A 12,000-year-old clay figurine from Nahal Ein Gev II in northern Israel depicts a woman and goose, revealing human-animal interaction and symbolic expression. The piece showcases naturalism, light manipulation, and artistic innovations predating the Neolithic era.
A study published in PLOS One mapped ancient tomb distributions across China to identify patterns influenced by socioeconomic factors and geography. The research found that tombs from periods of relative stability were more common than those during times of war and instability.
Classic Maya cities rose due to climate downturns, intergroup conflict, and strong economies of scale, while deurbanization occurred when environmental degradation outweighed urban benefits. The study integrates population ecology theory and resolves the paradox of why agrarian populations would aggregate despite high costs.
The book, 'The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus,' examines the public perception of the Italian explorer's life and legacy. Restall separates fact from fiction to understand why Columbus continues to mean different things to different people.
Researchers analyzed ancient teeth from 71 people in modern Syria to reconstruct mobility patterns of Neolithic farming villagers. They found that most people stayed local, but women were more likely to move between communities, suggesting complex social dynamics.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has been recognized for its successful initiatives promoting cultural humility and community connections. The First 5 Minutes: Cultural Humility training modules equip healthcare providers with tools to foster respect and empathy in patient interactions.
Farmers in Middle East prioritized viticulture over olive growing due to irrigation, which maintained grape cultivation. This suggests that grapes and wine held cultural and economic value.
A new study argues that modern plastics form an important archaeological record of human impacts on planetary health. The researchers suggest using the 'Plastic Age' as a way to study people's relationship with the world, similar to how archaeologists study past relationships through material culture.
A study of 40,000 users over 15 years found that musical taste becomes more refined and personal with age, with younger listeners exploring a wide range of contemporary music and older listeners returning to their youth favorites. Nostalgia is a strong driving force in middle age and beyond.
A new study found that vibrato is the most significant vocal attribute in determining an opera singer's score, while acoustic features like SPR and HNR have a greater impact than previously thought. The research provides objective insights into how judges evaluate performances and offers tools for vocal training.
A new study found that 89% of children and young people play video games, with loot box purchases linked to enhancement, distraction/compulsion, and FOMO. The yRAFFLE scale validated the motivations of children and young people who buy chance-based items in games.
The new book provides real-world strategies for arts leaders to navigate financial instability, advocate for equity and inclusion, and implement sustainable business models. With a focus on case study Bethesda's Imagination Stage, the authors examine leadership traits that drive innovation and long-term viability in nonprofit theaters.
Researchers found that individuals who met their partners online reported lower levels of marital satisfaction and experienced love less intensely. Factors contributing to these findings include similar social backgrounds, choice overload, and prioritizing physical attractiveness over thorough selection.
Researchers discovered traces of betel nut compounds in dental calculus from a 4,000-year-old burial site in Thailand, shedding light on the ancient practice. The study used new methods to analyze ancient teeth and found evidence of psychoactive plant use that was previously invisible to archaeologists.
A recent study from the University of California, Riverside, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison emphasizes the need for culturally responsive approaches to support healing among Latina college students who have experienced intimate partner violence. Resilient coping and social support were found to be strong predictors of well-being.
A cross-cultural study of 800 people from 37 countries found that tourists from rule-based cultures like China and India support green features in B&Bs more strongly. In contrast, Western cultures prioritize rooftop gardens over eco-friendly facilities. The study highlights the importance of considering cultural values when marketing s...
A team at HZB used 3D X-ray tomography to create a digital copy of a Mongolian scroll, then virtually unrolled it using mathematical methods, revealing the scripture and ink traces. The scrolls contained Tibetan script in Sanskrit language and traditional Chinese ink with metal particles.
The Seshat History of Moralizing Religion examines how societies across the world have answered ancient human questions about gods, morality, and the afterlife. The book reveals surprising insights into the development of religious traditions with a strong moral agenda, including Egypt's early adoption of divine punishment and reward.
A new study reveals the personal diaries of teenage boys in Stalin's Russia, offering insights into their daily lives, family struggles, and experiences under Soviet rule. The diaries, written between 1930 and 1941, provide a unique perspective on life during this tumultuous period.
A study found that evaluators' musical experience influences the sight-over-sound effect, reducing its impact for those with auditory expertise. The study used Japanese high school brass band competitions and found no significant evidence of the effect in musicians, but a stronger presence in non-musicians.
The discovery sheds light on the complex connections between ancient Maya and central Mexican civilizations. Archaeologists found artifacts indicating early contact between the two regions around AD 350.
A comprehensive analysis shows that sports fandom stems from evolutionarily ingrained tendencies which enhance social unity and therefore survival. The study highlights the role of cognitive biases, emotional connections, and heuristics in sustaining fans' beliefs.
Two 15th-century Orit books, the oldest found to date, were discovered by Tel Aviv University's Orit Guardians program. The books were written in Ge'ez and are considered 'living books' in Ethiopian Jewish communities, with their owners risking their lives to preserve them.
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.
Researchers found that cool people have similar personalities, with traits such as extraversion, hedonism, and power being universally perceived. The study explored how cool people differ from uncool and good people, finding some overlap in traits but also distinct characteristics.
The discovery of thousands of animal bones at a remote garrison site in northeastern Mongolia sheds new light on the lives of soldiers and civilians who lived along the medieval Liao Empire's long wall. The analysis suggests a largely self-sufficient pastoral economy, with evidence of herding, hunting, fishing, and seasonal climate var...
Researchers have developed an open-access catalog of animal traditions to explore the role of social learning in shaping animal behavior. The Animal Culture Database features vocal communications, mating displays, play, and other social behaviors observed in dozens of species from around the world.
A new study reveals that US Muslims show moderate openness to psychedelics in mental health therapy, with higher education correlating with favorable attitudes. Providing education about psychedelic therapies may help lower barriers to considering this treatment.
Russian leaders use museums and digital collections to portray Ukraine as inseparable from Russia, framing the invasion as a fight against Nazism and NATO. Researchers urge prioritizing non-Russian sources for balanced approaches.
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.
Otago researchers have recovered ancient genomes from Papua New Guinea, shedding light on the genetic diversity of pre-colonial coastal communities. The study reveals that cultural groups did not intermarry for some time, suggesting a complex tapestry of different cultures and peoples.
The Philippine archipelago has been found to have a sophisticated ancient technology dating back over 30,000 years, with evidence of seafaring capabilities and specific fishing skills. The discovery highlights the region's significance in the narrative of human migration and adaptation in Island Southeast Asia.
A new AI program, Enoch, has been developed to analyze ancient handwriting styles and estimate the age of undated manuscripts. The program, trained on radiocarbon dating data, was tested on 135 Dead Sea Scrolls and found realistic estimates for approximately 79% of the samples.
Researchers found that playing Dixit helped evoke emotions in autistic participants, covering three main themes: anxiety, social relationships, and sensory experiences. The study suggests the game could be an effective tool for bridging gaps between autistic and neurotypical people.
A new commentary highlights the social and emotional responses to environmental change as glaciers accelerate their loss. The authors argue that addressing climate change requires cultural understanding, public memory and collective action.
Archaeologists uncover evidence of permanent habitation, agriculture, and cultural exchange along the Medieval Wall System in Mongolia. The study reveals that these walls served not just military ends but also administrative and symbolic functions, challenging traditional perceptions of nomadic societies.
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.