A new study challenges long-held beliefs about human migration during the last ice age. Genetic evidence suggests that some human populations remained in central Europe, defying the notion that our ancestors retreated to warmer southern regions. This study, which compared human genetic data with that of other mammals, reveals that humans, like wolves and bears, were surprisingly resilient to harsh glacial conditions.
A study of ancient DNA from the Oakhurst rock shelter in South Africa has revealed remarkable genetic continuity over 12,000 years, challenging the traditional understanding of population movements in the region. The research shows that the people inhabiting the site, from 10,000 years ago to as recently as 1,300 years ago, were genetically similar to contemporary San and Khoekhoe populations, demonstrating a unique long-term stability in the genetic history of southernmost Africa.
A new study using ecological modeling suggests that the Zagros Mountains in Iran were a key location where Neanderthals and early modern humans interbred, providing a potential explanation for the genetic traces of Neanderthals found in modern humans. This finding highlights the importance of the region in human migration and evolution.
A new analysis of the DNA of ‘Thorin’, a Neanderthal who lived around 42,000 years ago, reveals he belonged to a previously unknown lineage isolated for 50,000 years. This discovery challenges existing theories about Neanderthal extinction and highlights the importance of social and cultural factors in their demise.
South Africa’s Pleistocene Occupation Sites are gaining recognition as major tourist attractions, showcasing evidence of early human activity and attracting global interest. These sites, crucial for understanding human evolution and adaptation, offer a unique glimpse into our prehistoric past, adding a new dimension to South Africa’s already vibrant tourism offerings.
Exploring the history of cooking, this article examines archaeological and biological evidence suggesting that humans were cooking food as early as 2 million years ago. The invention of cooking played a crucial role in the evolution of our species, impacting our dietary needs, gut size, and even brain development.
A new dating method applied to hominin teeth from Sterkfontein, South Africa, has yielded surprising results, potentially resolving a long-standing debate about the age of these fossils. The study, led by Professor [Author’s name], suggests that the fossils are older than previously thought, spanning a wider period than estimated by previous dating methods. This finding could have significant implications for understanding the origins of our genus, Homo, and the evolutionary history of early hominins in Africa.
A new analysis of a Neanderthal child’s ear bone suggests the first known case of Down syndrome in our closest human relatives. The discovery of ‘Tina’ provides evidence of Neanderthals engaging in altruistic behavior, caring for a child with a challenging genetic condition who wouldn’t have been able to contribute in return.
All humans today trace their ancestry back to Africa, where modern humans emerged at least 300,000 years ago. However, the exact origins of our species remain a subject of debate among scientists. One theory suggests that a single population in Africa gave rise to modern humans, while another proposes that multiple populations intermingled to create a stem population that eventually evolved into our species. The ecological diversity of the African continent and the subsequent intermingling of multiple populations may have contributed to the evolution of modern humans’ advanced cognition and social cooperation.
The common cold, a ubiquitous ailment affecting millions worldwide, has plagued humanity for millennia. While the exact origins of the cold virus remain elusive, scientific advancements have shed light on its possible emergence. Recent research suggests that cold viruses may have originated in ancient animals and gradually adapted to humans over time. This evolutionary process involved repeated exposure to animal viruses, eventually leading to the emergence of human-adapted cold viruses.
