Articles tagged with Human Remains
A major change in human ancestors' movement took place between 3 million and 1.8 million years ago, combining regular tree-climbing with walking on two legs. Early human ancestors like Australopithecus used trees as much as modern chimpanzees and gorillas do today, but when on the ground, they walked on two legs.
The adoption of millet in Bronze Age Europe led to a gradual shift in land use, with the new crop allowing communities to exploit previously marginal areas. This change was associated with increased food security and was not limited to specific social groups or ages.
A new study has found evidence of potentially hazardous microbial growth on mummified human and animal remains sold online, posing risks to buyers. The analysis also highlighted non-compliance with postal regulations, putting delivery workers and others at risk. Stronger oversight is needed across online marketplaces and industries.
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.
A new genomic study has identified close family relationships among Scythian elite individuals, indicating that elite status was passed down through interconnected family lineages. The study also sheds light on the role of elite women in Scythian society, suggesting that women held high social status.
A team of researchers extracted and analyzed protein fragments from fossil teeth of Homo naledi, finding zero male markers. This discovery suggests a sex-bias in mortuary practice among non-human species, unlike observed in contemporary human cultures.
A new SFU study analyzed over 12,000 skeletons across Europe, revealing long-suspected gender-based diet inequalities. Men were more likely to have richer diets, while women were more frequently among those with poorer diets.
Research suggests fish and shellfish harvests played a key role in the economic system of the Canary Islands. Archaeologists found specialized fishing tools, thousands of fish scales, and evidence of early food preservation techniques.
A UAB research team analyzed the genome of 54 newborns to track the genetic history of the Iberians. The study found a great genetic continuity, with little external influence, until the arrival of Romans, who introduced new genetic influences.
Researchers at Eurac Research have discovered the microbial community associated with Ötzi, a 5,300-year-old Copper Age human. The study found that Ötzi's gut flora closely resembles early human populations, and cold-adapted yeasts have persisted on his body for thousands of years, holding potential for industrial applications.
A study published in PLOS One analyzed microbial communities in well-preserved and degraded bones from medieval cemeteries in Norway. The researchers found distinct microbial communities associated with different levels of degradation, suggesting that microbes play a role in bone preservation and decay.
A new study analyzing ancient DNA alongside archaeological data suggests that population movement along Peru's Pacific coast began at least 800 years ago, centuries before the rise of the Inca Empire. Genetic evidence reveals mixed ancestry between people from different coastal regions over subsequent generations.
Researchers found significant erosion damage to graves in a 17th-century whaling site in Svalbard, with textiles nearly completely degraded over 30 years. The study reveals the physical cost of climate change on Arctic cultural heritage sites and the need for revised policies.
For at least 1,000 years, early herders in eastern Africa continued to fish, hunt, and gather alongside livestock, revealing a diverse diet that varied greatly from person to person. This strategy likely helped them adapt to a changing environment and ensured survival.
A Neanderthal tooth from Chagyrskaya Cave in Russia shows evidence of intentional pulp removal and antemortem wear, suggesting the individual kept using the tooth while alive. The discovery provides the oldest known example of successful dental treatment, dating back over 60,000 years.
The discovery of complex stone tools at the Lingjing archaeological site in China suggests that ancient humans were capable of advanced technological thinking and creativity. The tools, crafted by Homo juluensis, show a high level of organization and planning, indicating a deep understanding of stone properties and fracture mechanics.
Researchers from the University of Waterloo have identified four more members of Sir John Franklin's 1845 expedition using DNA samples extracted from skeletal remains. The new discoveries bring the total number of identified sailors to six, providing previously unavailable details about the circumstances and locations of their deaths.
The study reconstructs the genetic profile of a small group of Neanderthals from Stajnia Cave, Poland, providing a coherent genetic picture of Neanderthals in this part of Europe. The discovery sheds light on the distribution of a particular Neanderthal maternal lineage in western Eurasia.
Researchers use ancient DNA and burial practices to show that family ties can be more than just blood-related. This challenges traditional views of kinship, highlighting the importance of cultural and anthropological perspectives in understanding family dynamics.
A study from Stockholm University found a diverse population in medieval Ibiza connected to Europe, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa through trade and migration. Genetic analysis also identified the first confirmed case of leprosy in medieval Islamic Iberia.
A new interdisciplinary study provides detailed insights into the lives of people living in Central Europe during the Late Bronze Age, revealing gradual changes in ancestry, dietary flexibility, and mortuary practices. The research suggests that communities participated in wider networks of interaction and incorporated change into exis...
Researchers reconstructed diets of prehistoric communities in north-central Poland, shedding light on how people adapted to changing environments and social landscapes. The study found that Corded Ware communities herded animals in forests and that millet consumption varied among groups, reflecting identity and group boundaries.
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 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.
A study of ancient teeth from Pontecagnano reveals details about childhood growth and health, as well as adult diets that included cereals, legumes, and fermented foods. The analysis provides insights into the lifestyle and adaptations of the Iron Age Italian community.
The study of new hominin fossils from Thomas Quarry I in Morocco reveals an African population near the base of the Homo sapiens lineage. The 773,000-year-old fossils provide insights into the shared ancestry of H. sapiens, Neandertals, and Denisovans.
A new study reveals Africa's oldest known in situ cremation pyre containing the remains of an adult, dated around 9,500 years ago. The discovery suggests that ancient African hunter-gatherer communities had complex ritual practices involving posthumous removal and reburial of body parts.
Researchers successfully identified the skeletal remains of Duke Béla, a member of the Árpád and Rurik dynasties, using a combination of genetic and dental analyses. The study reveals that Béla was attacked by multiple individuals, consuming a diet rich in animal protein.
Scientists from Institut Pasteur identified Salmonella enterica and Borrelia recurrentis in remains of 13 soldiers who retreated from Russia in 1812. The study suggests these two pathogens may have contributed to the high number of deaths in Napoleon's army.
A study published in PLOS One identified genetic signatures of diverse gut parasites in ancient Mexican feces, revealing high prevalence of pathogens like pinworm and E. coli. The analysis provides insights into intestinal disease and sanitation practices of ancient cultures.
Researchers analyzed the gut microbiome of a 1,000-year-old mummy from Zimapán, Mexico, revealing specific types of bacteria present. The findings expand knowledge of ancient microbiomes and may provide clues to the individual's life, including their diet, health, and lifestyle.
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.
Archaeologists can now map hidden voids such as tunnels and channels using muon tomography, a method that detects changes in soil penetrability to cosmic radiation particles. The technology was successfully demonstrated at the City of David archaeological site in Jerusalem.
The study reveals that Slavic groups originated in the region between the Dniester and Don rivers and migrated across Central and Eastern Europe. The genetic data show a mosaic of different groups adapting to local contexts, with no significant sex bias in migrations.
The Conservation Soft Box is an airtight, controlled environment case that preserves cultural heritage with minimal maintenance. It achieves similar results to expensive display cases but at a much lower cost, making it accessible to countries with limited resources.
The study reveals that victims had different dietary patterns and showed signs of higher mobility and physiological stress, suggesting they were outsiders. This finds supports a two-tiered ritual: local enemies killed in battle were dismembered as trophies; others, likely captives, were subjected to violent execution.
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.
Researchers found that people who experienced malnutrition early in life may have survived threats like plague at greater rates until young adulthood. However, this survival advantage could drop significantly when entering middle and late adult years.
A new study reconciles opposing views on the spread of Neolithic farming by combining archaeology and genetics. The research found that cultural changes occurred through both people migration and the spread of ideas, depending on the region and period.
Researchers challenge the idea of an incestuous social elite ruling over ancient Ireland, citing a lack of corroborating evidence from nearby settlements and dietary practices. The study suggests that the society was more equal, with people sharing resources and living in similar dwellings.
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 study reveals radical changes in mobility, diet, and social inequalities during the Late Bronze Age, around 1500 BC. The researchers found that people's food consumption became more uniform but poorer, while animal husbandry and migration patterns changed.
Researchers propose that early humans used fire to smoke and dry meat to preserve it for extended periods, safeguarding large game from predators and scavengers. This new hypothesis offers a fresh perspective on the origins of fire use in prehistoric humans.
Researchers developed a new method for extracting and identifying proteins from ancient soft tissues, providing insights into past lives and diseases. The technique identified over 1,200 ancient proteins from 2.5mg of sample, offering a window on human history.
A new study by Bournemouth University reveals that the 'war-cemetery' at Maiden Castle did not die in a single event, but rather experienced lethal violence spanning multiple generations. The findings question the traditional narrative of Roman conquest and highlight the need for reevaluation of other archaeological cemeteries.
Researchers analyzed a skeleton with a severe knee injury to uncover the complexities of social attitudes towards individuals with disabilities in medieval Europe. The study found that despite negative cultural views, some individuals with disabilities received long-term care and prominent burials.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg discovered that the influenza A virus exploits a protein called AGO2 to regulate gene activity and weaken the immune system. An existing drug, arsenic trioxide, showed promise in increasing interferon production and reducing viral loads.
MSU is developing a computer program called MOSAIC to create holistic biological profiles from skeletal remains, making the investigative process clearer and more efficient. The project aims to leverage relationships between various structures to provide estimates without biasing results by focusing on individual components.
The research reveals that Neanderthals and Homo sapiens coexisted and shared aspects of daily life, technology, and burial customs. These interactions fostered cultural exchange, social complexity, and behavioral innovations.
Researchers discovered signs of human remains being manipulated and dissected, indicating cannibalism among Late Ice Age societies in Central Europe. The findings suggest that cannibalism may have occurred due to conflicts over resources or territories, rather than necessity.
Researchers have uncovered clay tablets with ancient cuneiform writing, game boards, and large structural remains at the ancient Mesopotamian site of Kurd Qaburstan in Iraq. The study sheds new light on literacy, urban development, and social inequality in this Middle Bronze Age city.
A new map reveals unique 'geologic fingerprints' across most of the African continent, enabling researchers to match artifacts and remains with their likely region of origin. The tool is particularly valuable for understanding human migration patterns, modern wildlife trafficking, and the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
Archaeologists have found evidence of mass violence and cannibalism at the Early Bronze Age site of Charterhouse Warren in England. The discovery of over 3,000 human bones suggests that the people were massacred, butchered, and partly consumed by enemies to dehumanize them.
Researchers analyzed human remains from a settlement site in Kosenivka, Ukraine, providing insights into the lives of ancient people. The study found that meat made up less than 10% of their diets, with plant-based foods being the primary source of nutrition.
A team of researchers from over 5 countries found a Neanderthal structure in Vanguard Cave, Gibraltar, that matches theoretical studies on anoxic heating. The discovery suggests Neanderthals had advanced cognitive abilities, including organization and practice to extract resin.
A study of human skeletal remains from the Tudor warship Mary Rose reveals that handedness may influence clavicle bone chemistry as people age. The analysis found increased mineral content and decreased protein content in right clavicles compared to left, suggesting repeated stress on the right side during activities like sailing.
A new law change proposal aims to provide families of missing persons with an opportunity for closure through burial, rather than cremation. The proposal, backed by expert research, would require DNA sampling before burial to confirm identity and enable family members to make decisions about the body.
Researchers from UNH's Forensic Anthropology Lab worked with town officials to investigate and document the remains, which showed signs of hardship and health issues. The reburial ceremony marked a rare opportunity for closure and respect for the individuals buried in hasty unmarked graves.
Researchers found that horseback riding can subtly alter the shape of the hip joint, but these changes are not definitive proof of horse domestication. Human remains from various time periods show similar skeletal changes due to other activities, casting doubt on the Kurgan hypothesis.