http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/fossils_ruins/anthropology/ Anthropology News. Read about early human culture, civilizations and latest discoveries at ancient sites in our anthropology news. en-us Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:05:01 EST Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/fossils_ruins/anthropology/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100205091829.htm Biochemists have described the process by which bacteria developed into more complex cells and found this crucial step happened much earlier in the evolutionary timeline than previously thought. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100205091829.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100204204315.htm Ancient human teeth are telling secrets that may relate to modern-day health: Some stressful events that occurred early in development are linked to shorter lifespans. "Prehistoric remains are providing strong, physical evidence that people who acquired tooth enamel defects while in the womb or early childhood tended to die earlier, even if they survived to adulthood," says anthropologist George Armelagos, who recently published the first summary of prehistoric evidence for the Barker hypothesis. Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100204204315.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100201101905.htm The last ancestor we shared with worms, which roamed the seas around 600 million years ago, may already have had a sophisticated brain. Fossils cannot give us this information, but scientists have obtained it by studying small molecules called microRNAs. Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100201101905.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100201171756.htm Researchers excavating an ancient Roman cemetery were surprised when DNA testing on a set of bones revealed East Asian ancestry. Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100201171756.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100128130217.htm New research suggests that evolutionary changes in cognitive development underlie the extensive social and behavioral differences that exist between two closely related species of great apes. The study enhances our understanding of our two closest living relatives, chimpanzees and the lesser-known bonobos, and may provide key insight into human evolution. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100128130217.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100121140347.htm Psychologists argue that human languages may adapt more like biological organisms than previously thought and that the more common and popular the language, the simpler its construction to facilitate its survival. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100121140347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100126084059.htm With only 3.000 speakers in Northwest Siberia the Ob-Ugrian language Mansi is on the verge of extinction. Predictions say it will be extinct in ten to twenty years at the latest. The same holds true for Khanti, a member of the same language family. It is for this reason that extensive documentation is so important. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100126084059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100126220321.htm The last Neanderthals in Europe died out at least 37,000 years ago -- and both climate change and interaction with modern humans could be involved in their demise, according to new research. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100126220321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100126220325.htm Homo floresiensis, a pygmy-sized small-brained hominin popularly known as 'the Hobbit' was discovered five years ago, but controversy continues over whether the small brain is actually due to a pathological condition. How can its tiny brain size be explained? Researchers have tackled this question in the context of a comprehensive assessment of the evolution of brain and body size throughout the larger primate family. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100126220325.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100119133508.htm A new study has found that most men in Europe descend from the first farmers who migrated from the Near East 10,000 years ago. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100119133508.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100120131159.htm How did the lemurs, flying foxes and narrow-striped mongooses get to the large, isolated island of Madagascar sometime after 65 million years ago? A pair of scientists say their research confirms the longstanding idea that the animals hitched rides on natural rafts blown out to sea. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100120131159.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100119154710.htm New biogeographic evidence supports the origin of primates in the Jurassic and the evolution of the modern primate groups -- prosimians, tarsiers, and anthropoids -- by the early Cretaceous. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100119154710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100113131505.htm The first comprehensive comparison of Y chromosomes from two species sheds new light on Y chromosome evolution. Contrary to a widely held scientific theory that the mammalian Y chromosome is slowly decaying or stagnating, new evidence suggests that in fact the Y is actually reinventing itself through continuous, wholesale renovation. Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100113131505.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111155112.htm Scientists have long puzzled over how iguanas, a group of lizards mostly found in the Americas, came to inhabit the isolated Pacific islands of Fiji and Tonga. For years, the leading explanation has been that progenitors of the island species must have rafted there, riding across the Pacific on a mat of vegetation or floating debris. But new research suggests a more grounded explanation. Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111155112.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112155230.htm Using texts and images, a researcher has for the first time reconstructed the time when the use of porticos -- roof-covered structures supported by columns -- gave way to loggias, or recessed porticos. Thu, 14 Jan 2010 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112155230.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100113105737.htm The dreaded shipworm is moving into the Baltic Sea, threatening artifacts of the area's cultural heritage. Researchers suspect that the unfortunate spread is due to climate change, and are currently involved in a project to determine which archaeological remains are at risk. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100113105737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112123642.htm Sustainable farming and the introduction of new crops relies on a relatively stable climate, not dramatic conditions attributable to climate change. Basing their argument on evolutionary, ecological, genetic and agronomic considerations, researchers demonstrate why climate change is not the likely cause of plant domestication in the Near East. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112123642.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111154914.htm The widespread view of Neanderthals as cognitively inferior to early modern humans is challenged by new research. Scientists examined pigment-stained and perforated marine shells, most certainly used as neck pendants, from two Neanderthal-associated sites in the Murcia province of south-east Spain. The analysis of lumps of red and yellow pigments found alongside suggest they were used in cosmetics. Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111154914.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111102538.htm Evolutionary pressures could explain the seeming rise of disorders such as autism and autoimmune diseases, researchers report. The scientists also suggest that evolutionary perspectives should be integrated into medical school curricula, to help future physicians consider health problems from an evolutionary perspective. Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111102538.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100107183037.htm An inscription dating from the 10th century BCE (the period of King David's reign) has been deciphered, showing that it is a Hebrew inscription. The discovery makes this the earliest known Hebrew writing, according to one scholar. Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100107183037.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100107114418.htm The teeth of a 30,000-year-old child are shedding new light on the evolution of modern humans, thanks to new research. Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100107114418.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022122321.htm A new study of chimpanzees living in the wild adds to evidence that our closest primate relatives have cultural differences, too. The study shows that neighboring chimpanzee populations in Uganda use different tools to solve a novel problem: extracting honey trapped within a fallen log. Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022122321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091231164741.htm DNA that is left in the remains of long-dead plants, animals or humans allows a direct look into the history of evolution. Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091231164741.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091228152350.htm Scientists have gained new insights into the timing of molar emergence and its relation to growth and reproduction in apes. "We can use the same techniques to calculate ages at first molar emergence from the fossils of early hominids that just happened to die while their first molars were erupting," researchers report. Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091228152350.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091217102320.htm The teeth of some apes are formed primarily to handle the most stressful times when food is scarce, according to new research. The findings imply that if humanity is serious about protecting its close evolutionary cousins, the food apes eat during these tough periods -- and where they find it -- must be included in conservation efforts. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091217102320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091221130025.htm Evidence of sophisticated, human behavior has been discovered by researchers as early as 750,000 years ago -- some half a million years earlier than has previously been estimated by archaeologists. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091221130025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091215164909.htm A find of 60 headless skeletons summer 2009 may reveal the identity of the people who first inhabited the Pacific Ocean archipelago Vanuatu 3000 years ago. Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091215164909.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091209143743.htm Despite their ability to fly, tropical birds waited until the formation of the land bridge between North and South America to move northward, according to a new study. Sun, 20 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091209143743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091214201012.htm Researchers have discovered a previously unknown gene ZBED6 that is unique to placental mammals. The gene originates from a so called jumping gene that integrated in the genome of a primitive mammal at least 150 million years ago and has since then evolved an essential function. Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091214201012.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091217141312.htm The consumption of wild cereals among prehistoric hunters and gatherers appears to be far more ancient than previously thought, according to an archaeologist who has found the oldest example of extensive reliance on cereal and root staples in the diet of early Homo sapiens more than 100,000 years ago. Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091217141312.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091215202320.htm Scientists have traced the evolution of the modern opossum back to the extinction of the dinosaurs and found evidence to support North America as the center of origin for all living marsupials. Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091215202320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091216103558.htm The DNA of a first-century shrouded man found in a tomb on the edge of the Old City of Jerusalem has revealed the earliest proven case of leprosy. Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091216103558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091209114150.htm A first-of-its-kind archaeological study has detected the stress hormone cortisol in the hair of ancient Peruvians, who lived between 550 and 1532 A.D. Sat, 12 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091209114150.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091210092001.htm Ancient DNA retrieved from extinct horse species from around the world has challenged one of the textbook examples of evolution -- the fossil record of the horse family Equidae over the past 55 million years. Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091210092001.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091210153532.htm Discovery of a new species of 213-million-year-old meat-eating dinosaur in New Mexico suggests the first dinosaurs wandered between parts of the Pangea supercontinent that later became North and South America, according to a team of researchers. Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091210153532.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091208153153.htm Humans have the same receptors for detecting odors related to sex as do other primates. But each species uses them in different ways, stemming from the way the genes for these receptors have evolved over time, according to researchers. Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091208153153.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091208162656.htm An international group of anthropologists offers a new theory about the diffusion of maize to the Southwestern United States and the impact it had. The study suggests that maize was passed from group to group of Southwestern hunter-gatherers. Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091208162656.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121119.htm The remains of a Minoan-style wall painting, recognizable by a blue background, the first of its kind to be found in Israel, was discovered in the course of the recent excavation season at Tel Kabri. This fresco joins others of Aegean style that have been uncovered during earlier seasons at the Canaanite palace in Kabri. Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111115843.htm Scientists have determined that a major change in the climate of the Sahara and Sahel region of North Africa facilitated early human migrations from the African continent. Among the key findings are that the Sahara desert and the Sahel were considerably wetter around 9,000, 50,000 and 120,000 years ago then at present, allowing for the growth of trees instead of grasses. Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111115843.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091127140706.htm Years of scientific debate over the extinction of ancient species in North America have yielded many theories. However, new findings reveal that a mass extinction occurred in a geological instant. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091127140706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091125100852.htm New research has identified scores of Sicilian temples built to face the rising Sun, shedding light on the practices of the Ancient Greeks. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091125100852.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029151443.htm Change in language can be compared with evolution in the world of animals and plants. According to a Dutch researcher, an individual user of language can spark off an evolution of his or her language. His new approach, comparing linguistic change with evolution, offers a number of advantages for the study of linguistic change. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029151443.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123142739.htm A new study provides "incontrovertible evidence" that the volcanic super-eruption of Toba on the island of Sumatra about 73,000 years ago deforested much of central India, some 3,000 miles from the epicenter, researchers report. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123142739.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119101034.htm Researchers have confirmed that Homo floresiensis is a genuine ancient human species and not a descendant of healthy humans dwarfed by disease. Using statistical analysis on skeletal remains of a well-preserved female specimen, researchers determined the "hobbit" to be a distinct species and not a genetically flawed version of modern humans. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119101034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116103439.htm Infectious organisms that become resistant to antibiotics are a serious threat to human society. They are also a natural part of evolution. In a new project, researchers in Sweden are attempting to find substances that can slow the pace of evolution, in order to ensure that the drugs of today remain effective into the future. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116103439.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116114256.htm A Mesolithic site may date from as early as 9000 BC, by which time hunter-gatherers had reoccupied an area near Asfordby, England, after the last ice age. These hunters crossed the land bridge from the continental mainland -- 'Britain' was only to become an island several thousand years later. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116114256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173412.htm Researchers have shown that the brain regions that have long been recognized as a center in which spoken or written words are decoded are also important in interpreting wordless gestures. The findings suggest that these brain regions may play a much broader role in the interpretation of symbols than researchers have thought and, for this reason, could be the evolutionary starting point from which language originated. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104101623.htm Using portable 3-D laser technology, scientists have electronically preserved a rare 110 million-year-old fossilized dinosaur footprint excavated in 1933, and built into the wall of a bandstand at a Texas courthouse. The laser image preserves an original track used to describe a species of dinosaur identified in 1935 as ichnospecies Eubrontes glenrosensis. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104101623.htm