Supernova theory links an exploding star to global cooling and human evolution
Global cooling associated with the impact of supernova remnants may have affected plants and animals, including species related to humans.
Primary Results
Why it might be time to rethink the human family tree
The way we classify humanity’s ancient relatives is a mess. But there’s a simple fix.
The theory that humans emerged in Africa is often questioned. That’s good for science
Recent research suggests that humankind’s origins lay outside of Africa. This is the nature of science: a paradigm that cannot be questioned on a regular basis becomes a dogma.
Baby steps: this ancient skull is helping us trace the path that led to modern childhood
Our findings reveal the slowing down of brain development in our ape-like ancestors began more than three million years ago.
How much evidence is enough to declare a new species of human from a Philippines cave site?
Reports say that a new species of ancient human has been identified in a cave in The Philippines. But only a few bone and teeth fossil fragments have been found, so far.
Tooth be told: Millions of years of evolutionary history mark those molars
Anthropologists gather clues about how our ancient ancestors lived from their teeth. What will future anthropologists make of us based on the fossilized pearly whites we’ll leave behind?
Homo naledi may be two million years old (give or take)
The big question being asked is: where does Homo naledi fit in the evolutionary tree? Assessing the similarity or dissimilarity between fossil skulls has provided a possible clue to the answer.
Teeth ‘time capsule’ reveals that 2 million years ago, early humans breastfed for up to 6 years
A new study shows the enigmatic hominin species Australopithecus africanus may have breastfed young for around 5-6 years – a very costly practice for the mother.
Human evolution: science’s golden child or spoilt brat?
It’s probably a truism to suggest that the study of human evolution gets more that its fair share of media attention and hype. Brace yourself! There’s more on the way this week, with a set of seven papers…
Why do people have wisdom teeth?
Two dental experts explain that these furthest-back molars may be a not-so-necessary leftover from early human evolution.
Secondary Results
