Articles tagged with Human Evolution
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A University of Otago study finds caries in wild primates occur at low frequencies but vary among groups, with distinct tooth patterns compared to fossil humans. The research provides a new perspective on human evolution and living primate behaviour.
A team of international researchers has developed a globally-applicable ethical code for ancient human DNA research, aiming to address social and cultural implications. The code proposes cooperation with stakeholders, minimal damage to human remains, and respect for indigenous communities' perspectives.
Research from Harvard University reveals that physical activity later in life shifts energy towards mechanisms that extend health, reducing chronic illnesses. The study highlights the importance of staying physically active as we age to allocate energy to physiological processes that slow down deterioration.
Researchers at LSU Health have rediscovered the correct anatomy of the hip muscles, finding that they do not join into a single tendon but instead attach to different regions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the evolution of human upright gait and bipedal locomotion.
A twisted human birth canal requires rotation during birth, increasing complications, yet provides stability. Researchers linked the shape to pelvic floor muscle support.
Researchers at Lund University discovered a previously overlooked part of our DNA that appears to contribute to the development of human and chimpanzee brains. The study found that humans and chimpanzees use a structural variant of DNA in different ways, which plays a significant role in brain evolution.
A study by Arizona State University researchers reveals that the coordination between facial growth and chewing muscle mechanics determines when adult molars emerge. The study found that human molars come in at a later age due to slow jaw growth and short faces, which creates a mechanically safe space for molar emergence.
A study at Jordan River Dureijat site in northern Israel uncovered a wide variety of hook shapes and sinkers, indicating humans had profound knowledge of fish behavior. The findings coincide with the beginning of agriculture in the region, highlighting the importance of aquatic resources for human subsistence.
A 16,000-25,000-year-old jawbone from Sulawesi provides conclusive evidence of Pleistocene-era humans in the region. The fossil exhibit unusual dental wear patterns, offering insights into the daily lives and dietary habits of early Homo sapiens.
Researchers have identified a shortened version of the human growth hormone receptor gene, GHRd3, which may help people survive in situations where resources are scarce or unpredictable. The study found that this variant emerged around 1-2 million years ago and was more prevalent in ancient humans and Neanderthals.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists is using human whistled languages as a model to understand how dolphins encode complex information in their whistle communication. By studying the structure and attributes of human whistled speech, researchers aim to develop new techniques for analyzing dolphin whistles.
A Spartan-led team has assembled the most complete picture of the bowfin genome to date, revealing striking similarities between bowfin gas bladder development and human lung development. This breakthrough provides a better model for studying human health and disease, with potential implications for understanding evolutionary history.
Research reveals that humans take shorter strides than chimpanzees due to reduced pelvic rotation, extending their stride by only 5.4 times compared to the mini wiggles performed when walking. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that humans have evolved the longest possible stride for efficiency.
Researchers analyzed Neandertal and Denisovan genomes to identify blood groups, confirming their African origin and Eurasian dispersal. The study also found evidence of low genetic diversity and possible demographic fragility, shedding light on the disappearance of Neandertals.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that overstating the level of cooperation in a society can increase cooperative behavior overall. The study used a mathematical model to simulate the creation and maintenance of a community, finding that a degree of deceit or obfuscation can promote the formation of a cooperative ...
A decade-long investigation reveals the continuous male line of the Da Vinci family, tracing 21 generations and five family branches. The study also provides new discoveries and family tree updates, deepening previous findings and offering a strong basis for advancing DNA research.
Dr. Briana Pobiner will discuss her approach to science education and outreach in communicating about human evolution. Her methods focus on listening, respect, and finding connections with public audiences.
A study on the gastric bacterium Helicobacter pylori reveals that humans persisted in Siberia during the last ice age and recolonized northern regions. The findings also suggest a single migration of ancient Eurasians into the Americas via the Bering land bridge approximately 12,000 years ago.
Recent research confirms Darwin's insights on human evolution, revealing shared characteristics with apes, talent for high-level cooperation, and expanded social learning capacity
Researchers at Stanford University developed a new technique to compare genetic differences between humans and chimpanzees, revealing significant disparities in the expression of genes SSTR2 and EVC2. This study provides insight into human evolution and potential causes of neuropsychiatric diseases.
Researchers analyzed 70,000 ancient skeletons to find declining rates of transmission for these chronic infectious diseases. The analysis suggests that pathogens may evolve to cause less harm to humans over time, leading to reduced transmission.
A study by Heidelberg University researchers found that over 60 million buildings and four million roads were added to OpenStreetMap between 2008 and 2020, primarily in low- and medium-human development regions. However, these areas still account for only a small percentage of mapped data due to socio-economic and demographic factors.
Researchers found strong links between auditory cortex information in humans and primates, suggesting an evolutionary process dating back at least 25 million years. The study provides new insights into the origins of human language and memory, highlighting a previously unseen ancestral brain highway system.
In a study of Enga society in Papua New Guinea, restorative justice was found to be the dominant approach, with community members playing a key role in resolving disputes. The village courts prioritize repairing harm and reintegrating wrongdoers into society.
Researchers at the University of Bath found that children learn about evolution more effectively when engaged through stories read by the teacher, rather than through doing tasks. The story-based approach combined with abstract examples was the most effective in improving pupils' understanding of evolutionary concepts.
A plant species, Fritillaria delavayi, has evolved to become better camouflaged in areas with high human harvesting, increasing its survival chances. Human activity is found to be driving the evolution of camouflage in this species.
A significant increase in the prevalence of the median artery has been observed in humans since the late 19th century. This trend is attributed to genetic mutations or health problems during pregnancy, and may continue to rise, with a majority of people expected to have the median artery by 2100.
Researchers identified 22 additional δ-hexatoxins from 10 Australian funnel web spider species, suggesting the venom plays a defensive role. The toxins' high human toxicity may have emerged as a result of their original function against nonhuman vertebrate predators.
Researchers argue that cell-autonomous immunity, a ancient defense mechanism in human cells, plays a crucial role in shaping human evolution. Understanding this concept is essential for developing effective treatments for diseases like sepsis, as traditional approaches often fail due to the immune system's conserved mechanisms.
The paper discusses how cell-autonomous immunity, inherited from prokaryotic and single-celled ancestors, affects the human evolutionary story. It highlights the importance of understanding how pathogens manipulate these defenses, which are found in every cell in every body system.
Researchers discovered a unique 'BO enzyme' found only within certain bacteria responsible for producing body odour molecules. This breakthrough highlights the role of Staphylococcus hominis in body odour production and suggests its existence prior to modern humans' evolution.
A Rutgers-led study challenges the notion that the Ik are selfish and mean, instead revealing their culture promotes generosity. The researchers found that the Ik live by a saying 'tomora marang,' which means it's good to share.
A new study analyzing human portraits from 15th to 20th century European paintings found a widespread 'forward bias' in spatial composition, with more open space in front of depicted subjects than behind them. This bias increased over time, particularly after cultural norms favoring centering loosened.
A new study using Bayesian statistics estimates the odds of life and intelligence emerging on planets similar to Earth, suggesting that complex extraterrestrial life is possible. The analysis indicates that life should have little problem spontaneously emerging on other planets, but intelligent life is less likely.
Researchers found that regulatory switches involved in knee development also play a role in osteoarthritis, a partially heritable disease affecting 250 million people worldwide. The study suggests that subtle modifications in the knee's shape may increase risk of developing osteoarthritis over time.
Researchers analyzed buccal dental microwear to determine the diet of fossil Theropithecus oswaldi, finding a more abrasive diet than current T. gelada, similar to other primates that eat fruits and seeds in forested ecosystems.
Researchers used cognitive science experiments to investigate the potential symbolic function of 40,000-year-old engravings found in South Africa. The findings suggest that these engravings evolved over time to serve an aesthetic purpose and marked group identity.
A study on megafauna species distributions across eastern China over the last 2,000 years revealed strong declines for all five taxa. The expansion and intensification of agriculture, along with other cultural changes, were found to be key drivers of these declines.
Researchers found that chimpanzees exhibit rhythmic swaying and hand-clapping when exposed to musical sounds. The study suggests a foundation for dancing in our common ancestor with humans.
A study by Tohoku University researchers reveals that ancestral VMAT1 proteins exhibited increased neurotransmitter uptake, potentially linked to higher levels of anxiety or depression. The findings suggest that our ancestors may have been able to withstand higher levels of anxiety.
Two female chimpanzees exhibit synchronized bipedalism, displaying near-perfect precision in whole-body tempo synchronization. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of human dance and highlights conjoined full-body rhythmic entrainment in great apes.
A study by Alexandre Celma-Miralles and Juan Manuel Toro found that humans can detect isochronous beats, regardless of other irrelevant features, similar to rats. The researchers suggest that this ability has ancient evolutionary roots and may rely on timing mechanisms present in mammals.
Scientists have successfully linked the extinct giant ape, Gigantopithecus blacki, to its closest living relative, the orangutan. Genetic material from a 2-million-year-old fossil was retrieved using ancient protein sequencing, revealing key insights into human evolution.
The study reveals that repeated genomic regions expanded during human evolution and associate with differential gene expression in human and chimpanzee brain cell types. Expanded tandem repeats may hold clues to mechanisms driving their expansion and potential roles in human development.
A new federal grant will provide Kent State graduate students with invaluable opportunities to study primates and human evolution at Kyoto University in Japan. The International Research Experience for Students (IRES) grant, awarded by the National Science Foundation, will allow six students to travel to Japan each summer for three years.
Fossils found in southeastern China provide insights into Middle Pleistocene human evolution. The discovery sheds light on the continuity of form through time and regional variations among early Asians.
Research at the University of Liverpool found that people with obesity are stigmatized and explicitly considered to be less human than those without obesity. This blunt dehumanization was linked to support for health policies that discriminate against individuals due to their weight.
A new study by McGill researchers found that, on average, human disturbances do not appear to accelerate evolution. The authors analyzed 40 studies on species' responses to human activity, covering 102 traits in 37 different species.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new genetics tool called conStruct to analyze large datasets of genetic variation. The tool helps identify patterns of relatedness among individuals and populations, overcoming previous statistical challenges.
Researchers propose a new perspective on the Gaia hypothesis, integrating human consciousness into the planet's self-regulation system. This 'Gaia 2.0' framework suggests that humans can deliberately limit their impacts on the environment through conscious choice and technological advancements.
Research found that the intensity of shame people feel when imagining various actions accurately predicts the degree to which those actions would lead others to devalue them. This universal human quality helps individuals balance personal costs and benefits with social costs and benefits.
Researchers used a quantitative method to analyze over 140,000 artworks and found a temporal evolution of artistic styles reflecting divisions in style during Renaissance, Modern, and Contemporary art. The study demonstrates the utility of quantitative metrics in assessing artistic style evolution.
Research finds that pride serves an evolved function in human nature, helping individuals weigh self-interest against social approval. The study reveals a close link between pride and the values of those around us, suggesting it's a win-win rather than a sin.
A study published in Evolution & Human Behaviour found that social bonding and a desire to protect fellow fans are key motivations for football hooliganism and extremist group behaviour. The research suggests that reducing membership to extreme groups may not prevent violence, but tapping into their commitment could have positive effects.
Researchers propose that wars between patrilineal clans led to a collapse in male genetic diversity around 7,000 years ago. This phenomenon, known as the Y-chromosome bottleneck, was observed only in men and has been linked to changes in social structures after farming and herding emerged.
A study finds that intensive agriculture facilitates sociopolitical hierarchy in cultural evolution. The results suggest a reciprocal relationship between the two traits, with each facilitating development of the other to a comparable extent.
A new themed issue of the Royal Society journal explores human evolution through an interdisciplinary lens, combining biological, anthropological and cultural perspectives. Researchers found that English speakers' regional dialects influenced Sranan creole's development, shedding light on events in human history with few other traces.
Researchers found that resource-rich environments cause people to favor short-term relationships, leading to a 16% increase in preferences for short-term partnerships. Human behavior is influenced by environmental cues, and this study demonstrates the adaptability of relationship preferences in response to changing circumstances.
A recent study at the University of Turku found that X-chromosome relatedness between grandmothers and their grandchildren did not affect grandchild survival. The study tested a hypothesis about the genetic inheritance of grandmothers' help towards their grandchildren, but did not produce enough support for its claims.
Female chimpanzees who leave their family and friends behind take longer to become mothers, around three years on average, due to social integration challenges. In contrast, those with supportive networks start reproducing earlier, raising questions about the factors influencing this behavior.