#human-evolution

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#climate-change

Our Fragile Moment: How Lessons from Earth's Past Can Help Us Survive the Climate Crisis

Human civilization is at risk due to climate change, despite its historical role in fostering human development.

Daily briefing: Climate scientists determined to rise to the challenge of Trump 2.0

Modern humans have superior running abilities compared to ancient relatives due to muscular adaptations for endurance running.
Flawed research is compromising medical systematic reviews, necessitating new measures to enhance trustworthiness.
The impending Trump presidency poses significant challenges for climate policy, impacting scientists and researchers.

How the largest primate to roam Earth vanished

Gigantopithecus blacki, the largest known primate, went extinct between 295,000 and 215,000 years ago due to its inability to adapt to a changing climate.
The changing climate led to a reduction in the availability of fruit, the main food source for Gigantopithecus, causing them to turn to less nutritious fallback foods.
The dietary changes resulted in reduced mobility and foraging range, leading to a decline in population and eventual extinction.

Our Fragile Moment: How Lessons from Earth's Past Can Help Us Survive the Climate Crisis

Human civilization is at risk due to climate change, despite its historical role in fostering human development.

Daily briefing: Climate scientists determined to rise to the challenge of Trump 2.0

Modern humans have superior running abilities compared to ancient relatives due to muscular adaptations for endurance running.
Flawed research is compromising medical systematic reviews, necessitating new measures to enhance trustworthiness.
The impending Trump presidency poses significant challenges for climate policy, impacting scientists and researchers.

How the largest primate to roam Earth vanished

Gigantopithecus blacki, the largest known primate, went extinct between 295,000 and 215,000 years ago due to its inability to adapt to a changing climate.
The changing climate led to a reduction in the availability of fruit, the main food source for Gigantopithecus, causing them to turn to less nutritious fallback foods.
The dietary changes resulted in reduced mobility and foraging range, leading to a decline in population and eventual extinction.
moreclimate-change

Why are women the only primates with enlarged breasts?

Breasts may have evolved as a sexual signal linked to human bipedalism, underpinning human attraction and cultural variation.
#genetics

Scientists pinpoint when humans had babies with Neanderthals

Modern humans and Neanderthals interbred for thousands of years, influencing the genetic makeup of present-day humans, with significant interactions peaking approximately 47,000 years ago.

Neanderthals and humans interbred more recently than scientists thought

Humans and Neanderthals started interbreeding around 50,000 years ago, earlier than previously believed, impacting human genetics.

When Did Neandertals and Humans Interbreed? Genomics Closes In on a Date

Neandertal ancestry in non-African populations traces back to a single surge of interbreeding approximately 45,000 to 49,000 years ago.

Black Death Genomes: Uncovering Medieval Genetic Clues - Medievalists.net

The EPIDEMIC project investigates how genetic traits from the Black Death era influence modern disease susceptibility.

Studies pin down exactly when humans and Neanderthals swapped DNA

Neanderthal DNA in modern humans originated from a limited number of individuals during a brief interaction period between 50,500 and 43,000 years ago.

How Neanderthals and Other Early Humans Evolved to Eat Starch

The evolution of amylase gene variations in humans underscores adaptation to changing diets and environments throughout history.

Scientists pinpoint when humans had babies with Neanderthals

Modern humans and Neanderthals interbred for thousands of years, influencing the genetic makeup of present-day humans, with significant interactions peaking approximately 47,000 years ago.

Neanderthals and humans interbred more recently than scientists thought

Humans and Neanderthals started interbreeding around 50,000 years ago, earlier than previously believed, impacting human genetics.

When Did Neandertals and Humans Interbreed? Genomics Closes In on a Date

Neandertal ancestry in non-African populations traces back to a single surge of interbreeding approximately 45,000 to 49,000 years ago.

Black Death Genomes: Uncovering Medieval Genetic Clues - Medievalists.net

The EPIDEMIC project investigates how genetic traits from the Black Death era influence modern disease susceptibility.

Studies pin down exactly when humans and Neanderthals swapped DNA

Neanderthal DNA in modern humans originated from a limited number of individuals during a brief interaction period between 50,500 and 43,000 years ago.

How Neanderthals and Other Early Humans Evolved to Eat Starch

The evolution of amylase gene variations in humans underscores adaptation to changing diets and environments throughout history.
moregenetics
#archaeology

Why it took a century to work out that humans interbred with Neanderthals | Aeon Videos

The discovery of Neanderthals reshapes our understanding of human evolution, revealing interbreeding between humans and Neanderthals.

Footprints Suggest Different Human Relatives Lived Alongside One Another

The discovery of hominin footprints in Kenya provides direct evidence of species coexistence and prompts questions about their interactions 1.5 million years ago.

New study reveals more on early Hobbit' humans in Indonesia's Flores

Ancestors of Homo floresiensis were even shorter and lived 700,000 years ago.

51,000-year-old cave painting may be earliest scene depicted through art

The earliest known example of storytelling in art, a cave painting in Indonesia, depicts three human-like figures and a pig, highlighting the importance of storytelling in human evolution.

Inside the Archaeological Study of Human Sacrifice

Archaeology reveals both similarities and differences between modern humans and ancient ancestors, sparking reflection on historical practices and posing ethical questions.

Ancient 'hobbits' even smaller than originally thought DW 08/06/2024

The discovery of 700,000-year-old bone fragments on Flores Island suggests the Homo floresiensis species was even smaller than previously thought.

Why it took a century to work out that humans interbred with Neanderthals | Aeon Videos

The discovery of Neanderthals reshapes our understanding of human evolution, revealing interbreeding between humans and Neanderthals.

Footprints Suggest Different Human Relatives Lived Alongside One Another

The discovery of hominin footprints in Kenya provides direct evidence of species coexistence and prompts questions about their interactions 1.5 million years ago.

New study reveals more on early Hobbit' humans in Indonesia's Flores

Ancestors of Homo floresiensis were even shorter and lived 700,000 years ago.

51,000-year-old cave painting may be earliest scene depicted through art

The earliest known example of storytelling in art, a cave painting in Indonesia, depicts three human-like figures and a pig, highlighting the importance of storytelling in human evolution.

Inside the Archaeological Study of Human Sacrifice

Archaeology reveals both similarities and differences between modern humans and ancient ancestors, sparking reflection on historical practices and posing ethical questions.

Ancient 'hobbits' even smaller than originally thought DW 08/06/2024

The discovery of 700,000-year-old bone fragments on Flores Island suggests the Homo floresiensis species was even smaller than previously thought.
morearchaeology
#fossil-footprints

Fossilized Footprints Reveal Two Extinct Hominin Species Did In Fact Live Side By Side

Fossilized footprints offer unique insights into the behavior and interaction of early hominins, revealing aspects inaccessible from bones alone.

Fossil Footprints Suggest Two Early Human Species Crossed Paths within Hours

Fossilized footprints of two ancient hominin species suggest they coexisted and may have interacted around 1.5 million years ago.

Footprints in Kenya show distant relatives of modern humans coexisted'

The footprints in Kenya illustrate interactions between early human species 1.5 million years ago.

Fossilized Footprints Reveal Two Extinct Hominin Species Did In Fact Live Side By Side

Fossilized footprints offer unique insights into the behavior and interaction of early hominins, revealing aspects inaccessible from bones alone.

Fossil Footprints Suggest Two Early Human Species Crossed Paths within Hours

Fossilized footprints of two ancient hominin species suggest they coexisted and may have interacted around 1.5 million years ago.

Footprints in Kenya show distant relatives of modern humans coexisted'

The footprints in Kenya illustrate interactions between early human species 1.5 million years ago.
morefossil-footprints
#paleoanthropology

Scientists uncover lost 'big head' people who lived alongside humans

A newly identified species, Homo julurensis, may have lived alongside Homo sapiens, distinguished by their abnormally large skulls and advanced characteristics.

New human species that went extinct 200,000 years ago discovered

A new human species, Homo juluensis, was discovered in China, showcasing significant cranial differences and offering insights into early human evolution.

The discovery that rewrote human evolution theory turns 50 DW 11/21/2024

Human evolution is more complex than a linear process.
The discovery of Lucy challenged previous notions of how bipedalism developed along with brain size.
Lucy demonstrated that the traits of bipedalism and brain size evolved independently.

Footprints reveal the coexistence of two human species 1.5 million years ago

The footprints found in Kenya provide evidence of coexistence between Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei, reshaping our understanding of human evolution.

The legacy of Lucy, the Australopithecus' that changed our idea of human evolution 50 years ago

Lucy's discovery revolutionized paleoanthropology by providing crucial insights into human evolution, establishing connections to early hominid species.

Long-lost Neanderthal group that lived 50,000 years ago is discovered

Thorin's DNA analysis reveals a new Neanderthal lineage, prompting a reevaluation of human evolutionary history.

Scientists uncover lost 'big head' people who lived alongside humans

A newly identified species, Homo julurensis, may have lived alongside Homo sapiens, distinguished by their abnormally large skulls and advanced characteristics.

New human species that went extinct 200,000 years ago discovered

A new human species, Homo juluensis, was discovered in China, showcasing significant cranial differences and offering insights into early human evolution.

The discovery that rewrote human evolution theory turns 50 DW 11/21/2024

Human evolution is more complex than a linear process.
The discovery of Lucy challenged previous notions of how bipedalism developed along with brain size.
Lucy demonstrated that the traits of bipedalism and brain size evolved independently.

Footprints reveal the coexistence of two human species 1.5 million years ago

The footprints found in Kenya provide evidence of coexistence between Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei, reshaping our understanding of human evolution.

The legacy of Lucy, the Australopithecus' that changed our idea of human evolution 50 years ago

Lucy's discovery revolutionized paleoanthropology by providing crucial insights into human evolution, establishing connections to early hominid species.

Long-lost Neanderthal group that lived 50,000 years ago is discovered

Thorin's DNA analysis reveals a new Neanderthal lineage, prompting a reevaluation of human evolutionary history.
morepaleoanthropology

Henry Kissinger Issues Warning From Beyond the Grave

AI's development parallels the Midas myth, presenting both incredible potential and significant risks.

How humans evolved to be 'energetically unique' - Harvard Gazette

Humans have significantly higher metabolic rates than other primates, aiding in energy efficiency, cognitive development, and reproductive success.
#genetic-research

How human brains got so big: our cells learned to handle the stress that comes with size

Understanding human neurons' energy demands may pave the way for treatments of neurological disorders.

Oldest human DNA from South Africa decoded DW 09/22/2024

Ancient human genomes from South Africa reveal a history of genetic stability over 10,000 years, contrasting with findings from Europe.

How human brains got so big: our cells learned to handle the stress that comes with size

Understanding human neurons' energy demands may pave the way for treatments of neurological disorders.

Oldest human DNA from South Africa decoded DW 09/22/2024

Ancient human genomes from South Africa reveal a history of genetic stability over 10,000 years, contrasting with findings from Europe.
moregenetic-research

Dental evidence for extended growth in early Homo from Dmanisi - Nature

Humans' unique life history traits include prolonged childhood and slower dental maturation, providing insights into human evolution.
Dental growth in fossils helps reconstruct human developmental timelines.
Australopithecus fossils reveal early signs of prolonged postnatal brain growth.
#fossils

The Lucy Fossil's Extraordinary Journey to Becoming an Icon of Human Evolution

Lucy is a key fossil that symbolizes human evolution and origins in Africa.

Fossil hints even smaller hobbits' roamed Indonesia

Ancestors of the Hobbits were even shorter than previously thought, dating back 700,000 years.

The Lucy Fossil's Extraordinary Journey to Becoming an Icon of Human Evolution

Lucy is a key fossil that symbolizes human evolution and origins in Africa.

Fossil hints even smaller hobbits' roamed Indonesia

Ancestors of the Hobbits were even shorter than previously thought, dating back 700,000 years.
morefossils

Humanity's Origins Paint Our Ancestors as Lovers, Not Fighters

Recent fossil and genetic findings show a complex, intertwined history of modern humans and extinct species like Neandertals and Denisovans.

A Gallery of Prehistoric and Ancient Weapons

The history of weapon manufacturing stretches back over 400,000 years, evolving from simple tools to advanced firearms.

Born to Run or Born to Sit?

Conserving energy and the tendency to remain sedentary are deeply rooted in human evolution.

Recurrent evolution and selection shape structural diversity at the amylase locus - Nature

Dietary changes significantly influence human evolution, particularly through the transition to agriculture and the impact on genetic adaptations.
#prehistory

Writing this book was like a drug high': Rachel Kushner on her Booker-listed novel

Creation Lake is a compelling novel intertwining prehistory and contemporary themes, exploring human origins and future, reflecting urgency and creativity during its writing.

What the Origins of Humanity Can and Can't Tell Us

The discovery of Neanderthals led to the expansion of the concept of human prehistory.

Writing this book was like a drug high': Rachel Kushner on her Booker-listed novel

Creation Lake is a compelling novel intertwining prehistory and contemporary themes, exploring human origins and future, reflecting urgency and creativity during its writing.

What the Origins of Humanity Can and Can't Tell Us

The discovery of Neanderthals led to the expansion of the concept of human prehistory.
moreprehistory

Our Bigger Brains Came With a Downside: Faster Aging

The human brain's growth allowed language and coordination but increased vulnerability to aging.

Scientists Find Arm Bone of Ancient Hobbit' Human

Homo floresiensis, or 'hobbits', were even smaller than previously thought with a minuscule brain size.
There is a division among scientists on how to classify Homo floresiensis within the human family tree.
#chimpanzees

The Chimps Who Learned to Say Mama'

Chimpanzees can potentially utter human words like 'mama,' shedding light on speech evolution.

Chimpanzees can SPEAK, scientists claim after reviewing old footage

Chimpanzees can speak simple human-like words.

The Chimps Who Learned to Say Mama'

Chimpanzees can potentially utter human words like 'mama,' shedding light on speech evolution.

Chimpanzees can SPEAK, scientists claim after reviewing old footage

Chimpanzees can speak simple human-like words.
morechimpanzees

One million-year-old skull found in China may be a 'Dragon Man'

The 900,000-year-old skull found in China is believed to be a hybrid of Homo sapien and Homo longi, a long-lost species known as 'Dragon Man'.

A Grand Experiment in Human Reproduction

If women continue to have children later in life, menopause could potentially be delayed or even disappear in the far future.

Background For A New Book - emptywheel

Rights discourse lacks clarity on nature and origin, clarified by background series and recommended reading by Jamal Greene's book.
Humans evolved unique capacity for learning, teaching, and abstraction through observation, language, and reasoning, aiding problem-solving.
Early humans transmit knowledge for survival through teaching and natural curiosity, backed by basic language skills likely taught by females.
Philosophically, human existence is the measure of all things being and not being.

Early hunter-gatherers were mostly VEGETARIAN, study claims

Cavemen abandoned meat for vegetarian diet over 15,000 years ago, consuming starchy foods like cereals, nuts, and legumes.

Ancient Malaria Genome from Roman Skeleton Hints at Disease's History

The mitochondrial genome of ancient Plasmodium falciparum was sequenced, aiding in understanding malaria history in Europe.
Genetic data from European parasites, ancient or recent, plays a crucial role in understanding parasite movement globally.

Ancient stone tools found in Ukraine offer oldest evidence of human presence in Europe

Ancient stone tools found in western Ukraine suggest oldest human presence in Europe
Tools may have been fashioned by Homo erectus

What 100,000-year-old footprints in Morocco tell us about early humans

Ancient footprints found on a Moroccan beach are believed to be 100,000 years old and provide valuable insights into human origins.
Coastal erosion poses a threat to the preservation of these ancient tracks, highlighting the urgency of studying and documenting them while they still exist.
#neanderthals

Autism may be linked to Neanderthal genes, study finds

Inbreeding between Neanderthals and humans may have contributed to autism in modern society.

The Holy Grail Of Neanderthal Language Is Turning Out To Be An 800-Pound Gorilla

Understanding the uniqueness of Homo sapiens through divergence from Neanderthals

Readers reply: why do neanderthals have such a bad reputation?

Neanderthals had a bad reputation due to historical misconceptions and stereotypes, perpetuated by the need to showcase modern humans as more superior. Recent research shows they were more sophisticated than believed.

Autism may be linked to Neanderthal genes, study finds

Inbreeding between Neanderthals and humans may have contributed to autism in modern society.

The Holy Grail Of Neanderthal Language Is Turning Out To Be An 800-Pound Gorilla

Understanding the uniqueness of Homo sapiens through divergence from Neanderthals

Readers reply: why do neanderthals have such a bad reputation?

Neanderthals had a bad reputation due to historical misconceptions and stereotypes, perpetuated by the need to showcase modern humans as more superior. Recent research shows they were more sophisticated than believed.
moreneanderthals

What is Bitcoin? You don't know and you can't explain it!

Bitcoin can't be fully described by one specific label; individuals need to acknowledge all its properties as a whole.

Our attitudes towards AI reveal how we really feel about human intelligence

The concept of superintelligent robots as alien competitors reveals misconceptions about work, value, and intelligence, emphasizing the need for understanding technology's role in humanity.

Fifty years on, how Lucy, the mother of humanity, changed our understanding of evolution

Johanson's discovery of Lucy in Ethiopia in 1974 revolutionized human evolutionary studies.

How creativity defines the human species and is a source of wellness

Art is intrinsic to human evolution and essential for mental well-being.

Early man's greatest invention was the HANDLE, study claims

Handle considered as the greatest invention due to energy efficiency and increased force in stone tools.
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