Early Humans

Why is almost everyone right-handed? The answer may lie in how we learned to walk

Elephant meat aplenty for Neanderthals 125,000 years ago

Researchers found evidence of successful Neanderthal hunting of a straight-tusked elephant in Germany, with cut marks preserved on the ribs and vertebrae. The find provides crucial insights into the diet and hunting strategies of Neanderthals, who likely hunted a range of animals using wooden weapons.

First evidence that North Sea ‘Lost World’ had habitable forests during the last ice age

Researchers discovered temperate trees, including oak, elm, and hazel, in Doggerland over 16,000 years ago, revealing a surprisingly hospitable environment. The study suggests that Doggerland may have supported early Mesolithic communities prior to flooding, shedding light on the region's ecological history and human settlement patterns.

Chimps’ love for crystals could help us understand our own ancestors’ fascination with these stones

Researchers investigated which characteristics of crystals made them fascinating to early humans, using experiments with chimpanzees. The chimps showed a strong attraction to transparent and crystalline properties, suggesting that this attraction may have deep evolutionary roots.

Evolution: Ancient mosquitoes developed a taste for early hominins

The preference for feeding on humans among certain mosquito species evolved around 1.8 million years ago in response to the arrival of early hominins in Southeast Asia. This finding provides independent evidence supporting the limited fossil record of early hominin arrival in the region.

Xigou site discovery challenges long-held views on early human technology in East Asia

The Xigou site in central China has yielded evidence of sophisticated stone tool technologies dating back 160,000 to 72,000 years, revealing that hominins in the region were more innovative and adaptable than previously thought. The discovery challenges long-held views on early human technology in East Asia.

Environmental variability and migration promote the evolution of cooperation among humans: A simulation-based analysis

This study investigates how environmental variability and human migration influence the evolution of cooperation among humans. Simulation results reveal that cooperation is more likely to evolve when these factors are sufficiently high, hindering non-cooperative groups and encouraging cooperative groups.

New research by ASU paleoanthropologists gives valuable insight into how two ancient human ancestors coexisted in the same area

Researchers assign a hominin foot fossil from Lucy's time to a different species, providing evidence that two ancient human ancestors coexisted in the same region. The Burtele foot belongs to A. deyiremeda, which retained an opposable big toe for climbing but likely pushed off with its second digit on two legs.

Rice anthropologist among first to use AI to uncover new clues that early humans were prey, not predators Were early humans hunters — or hunted?

A recent study led by Rice University anthropologist Manuel Domínguez-Rodrigo challenges the long-held idea that Homo habilis was the first species to rise from being prey to predators. Using AI-powered analysis, his team discovered that early humans were still hunted by carnivores like leopards around 2 million years ago.

Why did Neanderthals go to the beach?

The study of Neanderthal footprints offers a unique window into everyday behaviour, providing insight into their physical presence, locomotion strategies, diet and social structure. The research suggests that Neanderthals were more versatile and ecologically adapted to coastal environments than previously believed.

DNA from extinct hominin may have helped ancient peoples survive in the Americas

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.

Extinct human relatives left a genetic gift that helped people thrive in the Americas

A new study found that a gene passed down from extinct archaic humans, Denisovans, is present in modern Latin Americans with Indigenous American ancestry and provides an adaptive advantage. The researchers also discovered the gene's presence in ancient individuals excavated at archeological sites across North and South America.

Earliest evidence discovered of interbreeding between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals

A 140,000-year-old child's skeleton from Israel reveals biological ties between Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens through unique morphological traits. The discovery confirms genetic exchanges between the two groups, with up to 6% of modern humans' genome originating from Neanderthals.

Discovery of new fossils — and a new species of ancient human ancestor — reveals insights on evolution

UNLV anthropologist Brian Villmoare and an international team discovered new fossils in Ethiopia that indicate Australopithecus and Homo species coexisted between 2.6 and 2.8 million years ago. The findings suggest a more complex tree-like pattern of human evolution, challenging the traditional linear model.

Changes in diet drove physical evolution in early humans

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.

How ‘scrumping’ apes may have given us a taste for alcohol

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.

Earliest evidence of humans in the Americas confirmed in new U of A study

Researchers confirm human presence in the Americas between 23,000 and 21,000 years ago with a new study that uses ancient mud to date footprints. The findings contradict previous understanding of the peopling of North America and have sparked a reevaluation of archaeological theories.

Environmental variability promotes the evolution of cooperation among humans: A simulation-based analysis

Researchers developed models to study EV's influence on human cooperation, revealing regional variability promotes cooperation in resource-poor areas. The findings provide new perspectives for archeological inquiry and insights into modern society's cooperative behavior.

New research reveals chimpanzees act as ‘engineers’, choosing materials to make tools based on the structural and mechanical properties which make them ideal for the job

Researchers found that chimpanzees deliberately select plant materials with flexible properties for termite fishing, indicating an intuitive comprehension of material properties. This 'folk physics' ability has implications for understanding human technological evolution and tool use.

When did human language emerge?

A new genomic analysis suggests that human language capacity emerged at least 135,000 years ago, with regional groups spreading across the globe around 100,000 years after that. The study, which examined 15 genetic studies, provides increasingly converging evidence about the timing of geographic splits among early human populations.

Atapuerca rewrites the history of Europe’s first inhabitants

A recent study published in Nature has assigned a facial fragment, nicknamed 'Pink', to the species Homo aff. erectus, challenging the long-held view of early European human habitation. The discovery at Sima del Elefante sheds new light on the history of Western Europe's first inhabitants.

New fossil discovery of an early human ancestor reveals that it walked upright, just like humans

Researchers found a single young adult Paranthropus robustus fossil with evidence of habitual upright walking, weighing only about a meter tall and 27 kg at death. The species' small size made it vulnerable to predators like sabertooth cats and giant hyenas.

Earliest evidence for humans in rainforests

Researchers have discovered human habitation in African rainforests dating back approximately 150 thousand years, challenging previous assumptions that humans were absent from these areas. This finding highlights the complexity of human evolution and suggests that ecological diversity played a key role.

Research team led by OHIO’s Sabrina Curran finds new evidence that pushes back the arrival of early hominins in Europe; discovery published in Nature Communications

A research team led by Ohio University's Sabrina Curran has discovered new evidence of early hominin activity in Europe, suggesting that hominins were present on the continent at least 1.95 million years ago. This finding pushes back previous timelines and provides valuable insights into the behavior of early human ancestors.

Strength connected to sexual behavior of women as well as men

A recent study found that both men and women with greater upper body strength tend to have more lifetime sexual partners. Despite theories suggesting men's strength is linked to reproductive success, the research suggests that physical strength may play a role in mating success for both sexes.

Cutting edge simulations unveil clues to human evolution

Researchers used computer simulations to model the running capabilities of Australopithecus afarensis, finding that Lucy's maximum speeds were significantly slower than those of modern humans. The study suggests that the human body evolved to improve running performance, with top speed being a more critical driver than previously thought.

Researchers reveal ancient dietary habits and early human use of plant foods

A groundbreaking study by Bar-Ilan University reveals that ancient hunter-gatherers relied heavily on plant foods, particularly starchy plants, for energy. The findings contradict the prevailing narrative of animal protein-based diets and offer new insights into early human processing methods and social behaviors.

12,000-year old stones may be very early evidence of wheel-like technology

A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that 12,000-year-old stones from Israel may have been used as spindle whorls to turn fibers into yarn, representing a key milestone in the development of rotational tools including wheels. The stones feature a circular shape with a central hole, allowing them to rotate faster and more efficiently.

Fossils and fires: Insights into early modern human activity in the jungles of Southeast Asia

A new study reconstructs cave conditions in Tam Pà Ling, Laos, identifying human activities and environmental changes over 52,000 years. The findings suggest that early Homo sapiens fossils were deposited in the cave during periods of heavy rainfall, with possible forest fires or human use of fire nearby.

Underwater caves yield new clues about Sicily’s first residents

A new study in PLOS ONE reports on the contents of 25 coastal and underwater cave sites in southern Sicily, uncovering three new sites with potentially important archaeological sediments. The findings provide key data for understanding the early expansion of Homo sapiens into the Mediterranean.

Research reveals reality of Ice Age teen puberty

Researchers analyzed ancient human bones to assess puberty stages in 13 Ice Age teens, ages 10-20. Most entered puberty at 13.5 and reached adulthood between 17-22 years old.

What a submerged ancient bridge discovered in a Spanish cave reveals about early human settlement

A new study by University of South Florida geologist Bogdan Onac and colleagues has found that humans settled the western Mediterranean much earlier than previously believed. The discovery of a 25-foot submerged bridge, dated to nearly 6,000 years ago, provides compelling evidence of earlier human activity on Mallorca's island.

Fossil hotspots in Africa obscure a more complete picture of human evolution

Researchers at George Washington University found that fossil hotspots in eastern Africa, such as the East African Rift System, bias our understanding of human evolution due to their limited geographic representation. The study suggests that scientists must take this bias into account when interpreting early human history and recommend...

Social rank may determine if animals live fast, die young

A Dartmouth study suggests that social rank determines whether animals prioritize short-term energy consumption over long-term health, with dominant monkeys consuming food quickly to maintain dominance, while lower-ranked monkeys invest time in washing their food to prevent tooth damage. The findings shed light on the disposable soma h...

Horse miscarriages offer clues to causes of early human pregnancy loss

A study on horse miscarriages revealed that 42% of cases were due to triploidy, a condition characterized by an extra set of chromosomes. This finding provides insight into the frequency of chromosome errors during early human pregnancy, which has been difficult to determine.

Evidence for butchery of giant armadillo-like mammals in Argentina 21,000 years ago

A study published in PLOS ONE found cut marks on fossils of a glyptodont, a giant relative of armadillos, that are consistent with known marks made by stone tools. The placement of these marks indicates a butchering sequence targeting areas of dense flesh.

‘A history of contact’: Princeton geneticists are rewriting the narrative of Neanderthals and other ancient humans

Researchers found evidence of multiple waves of genetic intermingling between modern humans and Neanderthals, challenging previous theories. The study reveals a more intimate connection between early human groups than previously believed.

Baby baboon brain anatomy predicts which hand they will use to communicate

Researchers studied newborn baboon brain anatomy to predict future gestural communication handedness, finding that nearly 70% developed a right-hand preference. The study suggests a shared evolutionary heritage and potential clinical implications for brain surgery patients.

Study finds environmental conditions influenced how early humans migrated across northern Eurasia and the Americas beyond Africa

Researchers used climate models, genetic data, and archaeological evidence to understand how environmental conditions shaped early human migration. The study found that ancestors traveled primarily through warm and humid areas with a mix of forests and open spaces for resources and shelter.

Excavation reveals ‘major’ ancient migration to Timor Island

Researchers have re-evaluated the route of early human migration to Australia, finding that ancient humans arrived on Timor Island at least 50,000 years ago. The discovery of thousands of stone artefacts and animal bones in a deep cave in Timor Island suggests that humans used New Guinea as a stepping stone for their crossing.

Interspecies competition led to even more forms of ancient human – defying evolutionary trends in vertebrates

A new study reveals that competition between species played a major role in the rise and fall of hominins. The research found that the Homo lineage experienced an unprecedented number of new species emerging, contradicting traditional views on evolutionary patterns. Technology, such as stone tools and fire, may have driven this process.

Finds at Schöningen show wood was crucial raw material 300,000 years ago

Research at Schöningen reveals sophisticated woodworking techniques used by early humans to process spruce and pine wood. The findings demonstrate the importance of wood as a raw material in human evolution, with evidence of extensive processing and recycling.

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.

Inner ear of miocene fossil ape gives clues to evolution of bipedalism

A new study of a 7–8-million-year-old extinct fossil ape from China, Lufengpithecus, offers new insights into the evolution of human bipedalism. The researchers found that early apes shared a locomotor repertoire ancestral to human bipedalism, and their analysis suggests a three-step evolution of human bipedalism.

Orbitally-induced strong monsoons facilitated early human dispersal to East Asia

Researchers found that the Asian summer monsoon's strengthening played a key role in Homo sapiens' dispersal from Africa to East Asia during the last interglacial period. The study integrated paleoanthropological data with high-resolution reconstructions of the monsoon, suggesting a link between climate change and human migration.

Ancient Sahul's submerged landscapes reveal a mosaic of human habitation

Research on the ancient landscapes of Sahul reveals an extensive archipelago that existed during Marine Isotope Stage 4, potentially supporting populations ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 people. Sea level rise events led to the inundation of approximately 50% of the Northwest Shelf, triggering changes in human life spans and cultural d...

First map of human limb development reveals unexpected growth processes and explains syndromes found at birth

Scientists unveiled a spatial cell atlas of the entire developing human limb, capturing intricate processes governing rapid development. The study uncovers new links between developmental cells and congenital limb syndromes, such as short fingers and extra digits.

Decoding past climates through dripstones

Researchers from SapienCE Centre of Excellence use dripstones to study past climate in South Africa. They found that the region experienced highly variable rainfall and slightly warmer temperatures during a crucial time period for early human occupations.

In search of the last Neanderthals: The Universities of Bologna, Siena, and Haifa will conduct a new ERC-funded project with 13 million euros

Researchers from Bologna, Siena, and Haifa will investigate Neanderthal extinction in Eastern and Southeastern Europe and Western and Central Asia. The project aims to shed light on the chain of events that led to their disappearance.

Extinct ape gets a facelift, 12 million years later

A new study reconstructs the well-preserved skull of Pierolapithecus catalaunicus, a key fossil in understanding great ape and human evolution. The researchers found that the species shares similarities with both fossilized and living great apes, but also has distinct facial features not found in other Middle Miocene apes.

Human shoulders and elbows first evolved as brakes for climbing apes

A study by Dartmouth researchers reveals that human shoulders and elbows evolved to facilitate 'downclimbing' - the process of descending from trees without dying. This adaptation allowed early humans to navigate their environment safely, gathering food and deploying tools for hunting and defense.

Fossils show ravens lived alongside early humans in Beijing

Researchers have discovered fossils of ravens living alongside early humans in Beijing, dating back over 100,000 years. The findings suggest that ravens were resilient to climate change and provide valuable insights into the impact of environmental changes on bird populations.

Early humans were weapon woodwork experts, study finds

Early humans demonstrated advanced planning and knowledge of wood properties to create aerodynamic and ergonomic tools, such as double-pointed wooden throwing sticks. These findings suggest the use of throwing sticks could have enabled group hunts and involved the entire community, including children.

Orangutans can make two sounds at the same time, similar to human beatboxing, study finds

Researchers found that orangutans can produce two separate sounds simultaneously, like songbirds or human beatboxers. This phenomenon may hold clues about the evolution of human language and its similarities to beatboxing.

Cave excavation pushes back the clock on early human migration to Laos

Researchers in Tam Pa Ling cave in northeastern Laos found evidence of early human occupation dating back at least 70,000 years. The team used various techniques to date sediments and bones, revealing two distinct migration groups with unclear relationships.

Life before air conditioning: Curly hair kept early humans cool

Researchers found that tightly curled scalp hair provided the best protection from the sun's radiative heat while minimizing sweat. This adaptation enabled human brains to grow to modern-day sizes without conserving water through sweating.

Tracing Chile’s indigenous roots through genetics and linguistics

A new international study reconstructs the legacy of Chile's largest indigenous community, the Mapuche, through genetics and linguistics. The research reveals distinct Mapuche lineages originated locally and have remained in relative isolation, punctuated by episodes of contact with other South American populations.

Despite the dangers, early humans risked life-threatening flintknapping injuries

Researchers discovered that knapping is far more dangerous than previously understood, with severe injuries including bone piercings, tourniquet needed ankles, and eye damage. Injuries varied across body parts, including hands, feet, legs, and torso.

What marsupials can teach us about brain development

Researchers discovered that marsupial brains exhibit region-specific patterns of cortical activity during early development. This finding provides valuable information about human brain development and may inform strategies for improving cognitive function in humans.

Humanity’s earliest recorded kiss occurred in Mesopotamia 4,500 years ago

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and University of Oxford found that kissing was practiced in ancient Mesopotamia around 4,500 years ago, challenging previous hypotheses. The discovery suggests that kissing may have played a role in the transmission of diseases like herpes simplex virus 1.