Neanderthal

A gallery of ancient cave markings determined to have been created as far back as 75,000 years ago is likely to be the handiwork of Neanderthals.The team of researchers behind an analysis of artwork found in the French cave of La Roche-Cotard argue this is the earliest unambiguous example of Neanderthal cave engravings ever discovered, demonstrating our closest cousins shared our creativity and desire for self-expression.When dating the sediment that used to cover the cave's entrance, archaeologist Jean-Claude Marquet of…

Trine Freiesleben and Jean-Claude discussing the fingerprints and where to take OSL samples. Credit: Kristina Thomsen, CC-BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Markings on a cave wall in France are the oldest known engravings made by Neanderthals, according to a study published June 21, 2023, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Jean-Claude Marquet of the University of Tours, France and colleagues.…

The 40,000-year-old genetic inheritance bestowed on us by the Neanderthals has been highlighted by a new study.The new findings suggest that the risk of developing Dupuytren's disease, sometimes called "Viking disease," increases when a person has inherited DNA from Neanderthal ancestors.Researchers analyzed more than 7,000 people with Dupuytren's disease – a common condition particularly in northern Europe where people's fingers are permanently bent – to examine genetic risk factors.Also called Dupuytren's contracture,…

A team of paleoanthropologists has discovered evidence that the extinct human relative Homo naledi not only intentionally buried their dead, but also used symbols, perhaps for mortuary reasons.Rare Polar Bear Attack in Canada | Extreme EarthThe evidence—found in the extensive Rising Star cave system in South Africa where the species was first identified 10 years ago—precedes the oldest known ceremonial burials of Homo sapiens by 100,000 years. Of course, older deliberate burials by Homo sapiens could well be discovered in…

A material-and-action sequence for strike-a-light firemaking representing planning depth and prospective cognition. Credit: Cambridge Archaeological Journal (2023). DOI: 10.1017/S0959774322000439 Professor Marlize Lombard, University of Johannesburg, South Africa, who has a research focus in stone age archaeology and Peter Gärdenfors, a professor of cognitive science at the University of Lund, Sweden, teamed up to investigate…

Human noses come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from cute and petite to classically aquiline, broad and stately, bold and noble.A new study by an international team of researchers has found at least some of the genes responsible for our nasal anatomy may have been inherited from our Neanderthal cousins.The analysis covered individuals of mixed European, Native American, and African descent, matching regions of the human genome to the facial structures of certain individuals. These matches were then compared to other…

Researchers have identified a gene that is associated with taller noses in humans and found it likely comes from Neanderthals, an extinct hominin group intimately related to our own species.The Painted Skeletons of ÇatalhöyükNeanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) died off around 40,000 years ago, making them the most recent hominin species to go extinct. But, in a way, they are still around, since most humans today are walking around with Neanderthal DNA. Lots of interbreeding between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals may have…

Modern human and archaic Neanderthal skulls side by side, showing difference in nasal height. Credit: Dr. Kaustubh Adhikari, UCLA study by University College London researchers discovered that humans inherited genetic material from Neanderthals, affecting nose shape. The gene responsible for a taller nose may have resulted from natural selection as ancient humans adapted to colder climates after leaving Africa.Humans inherited genetic material from Neanderthals that affects the shape of our noses, finds a new study led by…

a-c Various lithic tool assemblages/ Mario Torquemada and d-g) traces of faunal remains. Credit: Abel Moclán Abel Moclán, a predoctoral researcher attached to the Universidad de Burgos (UBU), the Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH), and the Institute of Evolution in Africa (IDEA), is the lead author of a paper published in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, which undertakes…

The study area and important Middle Paleolithic sites mentioned in the text: 1. Crimean sites, 2. Mezmaiskaya, 3. Trans Ural sites, 4. Siberian Altai sites (Chagyrskaya, Denisova, Okladnikov), 5. Azokh, 6. Taglar, 7. Liben, 8. Shoupari, 9. Wezwar, 10. Keyaram, 11. Teshik-Tash, 12. Shanidar, 13. Qale Kord, 14. Bawa Yawan, 15. Bisetun. Credit: PLOS ONE (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281978 Researchers modeling eastern…