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Societies around the world have buried their dead at home. Anthropologists want to understand why the practice started, and why it has largely disappeared

Researchers analyzed ancient burial records to understand why some societies practiced residential burials and how this practice changed over time. They found that residential burials were more common in older societies than expected, suggesting that cultural practices can shift significantly over centuries.

SourceField Museum·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateJul 27, 2026

Restitution to Nigeria: Swiss museums return 18 major artefacts

The restitution follows several years of collaborative provenance research under the Benin Initiative Switzerland, which showed that the objects were most likely looted from the Kingdom of Benin during the British attack in 1897. The returned artefacts will be displayed at the National Museum in Lagos and temporarily stored in Edo State.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·DateJun 29, 2026
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

A new transnational history explores Japanese migration to Canada from 1877 to 1988, illuminating resilience, displacement, community building, and the struggle for justice

A new reference essay examines Japanese migration to Canada from 1877 to 1988, highlighting the development of vibrant communities and women's roles in shaping immigrant life. The article also explores the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Canadians during WWII and their ongoing struggle for justice.

SourceDoshisha University·DateJun 5, 2026

How competitive gaming on discord fosters social connections

Researchers found that Discord community Medimura functions as a 'third place,' providing a safe space for players to connect and share daily life. The study highlights the importance of digital platforms in promoting social wellbeing, particularly in Japan where casual social interactions can be limited.

SourceDoshisha University·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2026

Mapping the urban breath

A comprehensive review evaluates the global race to track urban carbon emissions, highlighting the importance of high-precision atmospheric observations. The study reveals a stark geographical divide between monitored and unmonitored cities, emphasizing the need for a transparent framework for carbon neutrality.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 30, 2026

Geochemical research reveals dietary variability in modern pastoralists

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.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateJan 28, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Life in balance: Research shines new light on ancient Andean scales

Researchers from the University of St. Andrews have discovered how Incas used Andean balance scales and ancient string knot writing known as 'khipus' to achieve balance and harmony in their society. These scales were tied to notions of wellbeing that prioritized balance in social, economic, and moral affairs.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalRes Anthropology and Aesthetics·TypeObservational study·DateNov 26, 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.

A new perspective on well-being – consumer agency in immersive service

Researchers studied consumer agency in immersive services like residential care, finding that technology and empathy can support individual autonomy. The study highlights the importance of a more consumer-centered perspective in geriatric care and analyzing issues related to consumer autonomy.

SourceUniversity of Vaasa·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateFeb 3, 2025

Reconstructed garments from Faras on display in Berlin

Archaeologists and designers collaborated to recreate five historical outfits based on Faras Cathedral wall paintings. The reconstructed garments featured traditional dyeing techniques and natural pigments, showcasing the cultural heritage of medieval Nubia.

SourceSWPS University·DateJan 31, 2025

New study unveils the human and scientific dimensions of IPCC sea level rise projections

Researchers from Indiana University and Princeton University provide an unprecedented look at the collaborative process that determines IPCC's sea level rise projections. The study highlights challenges in reconciling conflicting methodologies while maintaining scientific integrity.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Reconstruction of costumes based on wall paintings from Faras

Researchers at SWPS University recreated five outfits from the murals of the Faras Cathedral, shedding light on the evolution of royal and clerical attire in medieval Nubia. The study highlights the blend of Byzantine and Muslim influences, as well as the practical considerations of garment construction and dyeing.

SourceSWPS University·DateOct 3, 2024
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.

The beginnings of fashion

Researchers suggest eyed needles were used for adornment, signifying the transition from utilitarian to social purposes in clothing. The innovation allowed for more complex, layered clothing and decorative items, marking a significant shift in human attire.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 28, 2024

The Situation of the Uyghurs

The EU project Remote XUAR uses remote research methods to analyze the situation in Xinjiang. Researchers use internet-based document analyses, discourse analysis on social media, and satellite-based remote sensing to study everyday changes in the region.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateJun 15, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Transcultural literacies and meaning-making through fanfiction

A study by Liudmila Shafirova, Daniel Cassany, and Carme Bach examines the creation and sharing of fanfiction, highlighting how fans develop transcultural literacies through amateur translation of a Russian novel into English. The research reveals the importance of online spaces for social practice and language learning.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalInternational Journal of Language Translation and Intercultural Communication·DateNov 25, 2020

Concordia researchers delve into the Montreal Casino's "Vegas Nights" experience

A study by Concordia researchers examines the sensory design techniques used in the Montreal Casino's 'Vegas Nights' experience, revealing a complex interplay of sights, sounds, and smells that create a unique atmosphere. The authors argue that this 'sensuous' gambling experience is under-studied and warrants critical analysis.

SourceConcordia University·JournalThe Senses and Society·DateSep 22, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Multiple fathers prevalent in Amazonian cultures

Researchers found that up to 53 out of 128 studied societies believe in the principle of multiple paternity. Women benefit from this system as secondary fathers provide gifts and support, increasing child survival rates. Men also gain by formalizing alliances through shared wives, strengthening family bonds.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2010

The consumer's cache

This study reveals that consumers store and camouflage brand products in their households, creating a new understanding of American consumerism. The findings challenge traditional assumptions about the significance of brands, highlighting the importance of household processes over individual identity.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 2, 2005

Implications for the archaeology of warfare in the Andes

Researchers Arkush and Stanish argue that the Andes were home to more frequent and devastating conflicts than previously believed. They contend that a better understanding of the archaeological signatures of warfare will clarify the course of war and peace in the region.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateJan 20, 2005

How consumers are bombarded and affected by retail spectacles

Researchers study visitors to ESPN Zone Chicago to understand the impact of sports-related bombardment on consumers. The study highlights the blending of reality and fantasy, and the role of video screens in creating a spectacular experience.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 7, 2005