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Human Outer Ears May Have Evolved from Ancient Fish Gills, Study Finds
Human outer ears may have evolved from the cartilage in ancient fish gills, according to recent research. Gene-editing experiments demonstrated a genetic link between fish gills and mammalian ears, with findings suggesting this transformation dates back millions of years. Researchers tested genetic enhancers in zebrafish, mice, and lizards, uncover...
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1.95-Million-Year-Old Evidence of Hominin Activity Discovered in Romania
A discovery in Romania’s Grăunceanu site has unearthed evidence of hominin activity dating back approximately 1.95 million years, much earlier than previously believed. The find, including butchered animal remains with cut marks, reveals that early humans were adapting to temperate environments long before expected. This reshapes our understandi...
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Early Human Ancestors Had Plant-Based Diets, Research Suggests
New research reveals that Australopithecus africanus, an early human ancestor, primarily ate plants. Fossilised tooth analysis suggests meat was not a major part of their diet. This study, published in Science, challenges the idea that early hominins relied on animal protein for cognitive development. Researchers point out the possibility of insect...
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Ancient Ice Core from Antarctica May Reveal Climate Mysteries from 1.2 Million Years Ago
A team of scientists in Antarctica has extracted a 2.8-kilometre-long ice core from Little Dome C, believed to be 1.2 million years old. The ice core contains trapped air bubbles and volcanic ash, offering valuable data on climate shifts and the Mid-Pleistocene Transition. The research aims to uncover the cause behind significant climatic changes a...
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New Cartilage Type Found: Lipocartilage Resembles Fat, Boosts Elasticity
Scientists have identified lipocartilage, a newly classified type of cartilage featuring fat-filled, balloon-like cells that offer elasticity and structural stability. Found in the external ears, noses, and throats of mammals, including humans, this tissue differs from traditional cartilage types by maintaining its size regardless of calorie intake...
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Research Shows Twin Births Were Common in Ancient Primate Evolution
Research suggests that ancient primates, including early humans, typically gave birth to twins, a common trait in their evolutionary history. Over time, singletons became more prevalent due to the survival advantages of larger, more developed offspring. This shift is linked to the evolution of primates' larger brains and bodies, requiring more ener...
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Chimpanzees Use Stone Tools like Ancient Human, Study Finds
Recent research reveals that chimpanzees select stone tools for cracking nuts in ways that may reflect techniques used by ancient human ancestors. The study observed how chimpanzees chose rocks for hammers and anvils based on their mechanical properties, such as hardness, shape, and elasticity, rather than their appearance. This mirrors the tool se...
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Australopithecus Afarensis' Limited Running Speed Unveiled in 3D Simulation Study
A recent study using advanced 3D simulations has uncovered the running limitations of Australopithecus afarensis, an ancient hominin that lived over three million years ago. The findings highlight that while the species was capable of running, it could not match the speed or efficiency of modern humans. Insights from muscle mass estimates and digit...
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Homo Juluensis Discovered: A New Chapter in Middle Pleistocene Human Evolution
A newly discovered species, Homo juluensis, has been identified from fossils found in China, dating back between 220,000 and 100,000 years ago. The fossils, unearthed at Xujiayao and Xuchang, feature large skulls with a unique blend of Neanderthal, Denisovan and modern human traits. Researchers, including Christopher Bae from the University of Hawa...
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'Large Head People': Mysterious Ancient Humans With Oversized Brains Discovered
The emergence of the Large Head People has raised fundamental questions about human evolution, diversity, and migration patterns.
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Advanced 3D Fossil Scans Provide Clues to the Origins of Bipedalism in Human Evolution
A new study published in the American Journal of Primatology uses advanced 3D scanning technology to examine fossilized bones and muscle insertion points, shedding light on the evolution of bipedalism in human ancestors. Led by Professor Josep M. Potau from the University of Barcelona, the research suggests that early hominins, like Australopithecu...
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Lucy, First Human Ancestor, May Not Have Been Lone Species, Research Shows
Around 3.2 million years ago, in what is now present-day Ethiopia, a tiny human made it to the fossil record. Despite much research there is uncertainty over what could have led to their death.
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Octopuses May Become Earth's Next Dominant Species if Humans Go Extinct, Claims New Study
Experts believe octopuses could rise as the dominant species on Earth if humans were to face extinction, due to factors like climate change or war. With their advanced intelligence, adaptability, and ability to use tools, octopuses are seen as prime candidates for developing complex societies. While unlikely to fully adapt to land life, they could ...
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New Child Fossil Teeth Reveal Why Humans Developed an Unusually Long Childhood
Research on fossil teeth from a 1.77-million-year-old early Homo specimen challenges the "big brain, long childhood" hypothesis. The study suggests that the extended childhood seen in humans may have evolved as a result of cultural transmission, not just brain growth. By analysing dental growth patterns, scientists show that Homo’s development wa...
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50 Years Ago, Discovery Of This Fossil Changed Understanding Of Evolution
A fossilised skeleton, Australopithecus afarensis, best known by her nickname 'Lucy', was unearthed by researchers 50 years ago this month in the Afar region of Ethiopia.
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Human Outer Ears May Have Evolved from Ancient Fish Gills, Study Finds
Human outer ears may have evolved from the cartilage in ancient fish gills, according to recent research. Gene-editing experiments demonstrated a genetic link between fish gills and mammalian ears, with findings suggesting this transformation dates back millions of years. Researchers tested genetic enhancers in zebrafish, mice, and lizards, uncover...
-
1.95-Million-Year-Old Evidence of Hominin Activity Discovered in Romania
A discovery in Romania’s Grăunceanu site has unearthed evidence of hominin activity dating back approximately 1.95 million years, much earlier than previously believed. The find, including butchered animal remains with cut marks, reveals that early humans were adapting to temperate environments long before expected. This reshapes our understandi...
-
Early Human Ancestors Had Plant-Based Diets, Research Suggests
New research reveals that Australopithecus africanus, an early human ancestor, primarily ate plants. Fossilised tooth analysis suggests meat was not a major part of their diet. This study, published in Science, challenges the idea that early hominins relied on animal protein for cognitive development. Researchers point out the possibility of insect...
-
Ancient Ice Core from Antarctica May Reveal Climate Mysteries from 1.2 Million Years Ago
A team of scientists in Antarctica has extracted a 2.8-kilometre-long ice core from Little Dome C, believed to be 1.2 million years old. The ice core contains trapped air bubbles and volcanic ash, offering valuable data on climate shifts and the Mid-Pleistocene Transition. The research aims to uncover the cause behind significant climatic changes a...
-
New Cartilage Type Found: Lipocartilage Resembles Fat, Boosts Elasticity
Scientists have identified lipocartilage, a newly classified type of cartilage featuring fat-filled, balloon-like cells that offer elasticity and structural stability. Found in the external ears, noses, and throats of mammals, including humans, this tissue differs from traditional cartilage types by maintaining its size regardless of calorie intake...
-
Research Shows Twin Births Were Common in Ancient Primate Evolution
Research suggests that ancient primates, including early humans, typically gave birth to twins, a common trait in their evolutionary history. Over time, singletons became more prevalent due to the survival advantages of larger, more developed offspring. This shift is linked to the evolution of primates' larger brains and bodies, requiring more ener...
-
Chimpanzees Use Stone Tools like Ancient Human, Study Finds
Recent research reveals that chimpanzees select stone tools for cracking nuts in ways that may reflect techniques used by ancient human ancestors. The study observed how chimpanzees chose rocks for hammers and anvils based on their mechanical properties, such as hardness, shape, and elasticity, rather than their appearance. This mirrors the tool se...
-
Australopithecus Afarensis' Limited Running Speed Unveiled in 3D Simulation Study
A recent study using advanced 3D simulations has uncovered the running limitations of Australopithecus afarensis, an ancient hominin that lived over three million years ago. The findings highlight that while the species was capable of running, it could not match the speed or efficiency of modern humans. Insights from muscle mass estimates and digit...
-
Homo Juluensis Discovered: A New Chapter in Middle Pleistocene Human Evolution
A newly discovered species, Homo juluensis, has been identified from fossils found in China, dating back between 220,000 and 100,000 years ago. The fossils, unearthed at Xujiayao and Xuchang, feature large skulls with a unique blend of Neanderthal, Denisovan and modern human traits. Researchers, including Christopher Bae from the University of Hawa...
-
'Large Head People': Mysterious Ancient Humans With Oversized Brains Discovered
The emergence of the Large Head People has raised fundamental questions about human evolution, diversity, and migration patterns.
-
Advanced 3D Fossil Scans Provide Clues to the Origins of Bipedalism in Human Evolution
A new study published in the American Journal of Primatology uses advanced 3D scanning technology to examine fossilized bones and muscle insertion points, shedding light on the evolution of bipedalism in human ancestors. Led by Professor Josep M. Potau from the University of Barcelona, the research suggests that early hominins, like Australopithecu...
-
Lucy, First Human Ancestor, May Not Have Been Lone Species, Research Shows
Around 3.2 million years ago, in what is now present-day Ethiopia, a tiny human made it to the fossil record. Despite much research there is uncertainty over what could have led to their death.
-
Octopuses May Become Earth's Next Dominant Species if Humans Go Extinct, Claims New Study
Experts believe octopuses could rise as the dominant species on Earth if humans were to face extinction, due to factors like climate change or war. With their advanced intelligence, adaptability, and ability to use tools, octopuses are seen as prime candidates for developing complex societies. While unlikely to fully adapt to land life, they could ...
-
New Child Fossil Teeth Reveal Why Humans Developed an Unusually Long Childhood
Research on fossil teeth from a 1.77-million-year-old early Homo specimen challenges the "big brain, long childhood" hypothesis. The study suggests that the extended childhood seen in humans may have evolved as a result of cultural transmission, not just brain growth. By analysing dental growth patterns, scientists show that Homo’s development wa...
-
50 Years Ago, Discovery Of This Fossil Changed Understanding Of Evolution
A fossilised skeleton, Australopithecus afarensis, best known by her nickname 'Lucy', was unearthed by researchers 50 years ago this month in the Afar region of Ethiopia.
