neanderthals

Human bone fragment from the new excavations at Ranis. Credit: Tim Schüler, TLDAA genetic study of a German archaeological site reveals that modern humans lived in Northern Europe 45,000 years ago, overlapping with Neanderthals, and altering our understanding of early human history in the region.A genetic analysis of bone fragments unearthed at an archaeological site in central Germany shows conclusively that modern humans — Homo sapiens — had already reached Northern Europe 45,000 years ago, overlapping with Neanderthals…

The stone tool was glued into a handle made of liquid bitumen with the addition of 55 percent ochre. It is no longer sticky and can be handled easily. Credit: Patrick SchmidtAnalysis of tools that are 40,000 years old has revealed a surprisingly sophisticated level of construction.A team of researchers has found that Neanderthals crafted stone tools using a sophisticated multi-component glue. This discovery, the oldest known example of such an advanced adhesive in Europe, indicates that these early human relatives…

A trove of Neanderthal tools made between 120,000 and 40,000 years ago were forged with glue, according to a team of researchers that recently studied the objects.What Drew Noomi Rapace to Constellation?The research revealed the oldest evidence of a complex adhesive in Europe, according to an NYU release. The adhesive—composed of bitumen, an asphalt component that also occurs naturally in soil, and ochre—was found in trace amounts on stone tools from Le Moustier, a Neanderthal site in France. The findings were published…

Neanderthals were gluing handles onto their tools over 100,000 years ago, possibly making the species even smarter than previously thought. So says a new study that discovered the use of adhesives on ancient stone tools that were previously overlooked.The finding came after a team of researchers examined stone tools that had been wrapped up and largely forgotten since the 1960s at Berlin’s Museum of Prehistory and Early History. The fact that the tools had been well-stored enabled the researchers to find traces of bitumen…

For centuries, the "Unicorn Cave," or "Einhornhöhle," in central Germany has been famous for its many thousands of bones. In medieval times, people thought the bones came from unicorns.But a few years ago, archaeologists excavating the cave unearthed an unusual object: a toe bone from a giant deer. The material itself was noteworthy: Although giant deer were once prey for Europe's prehistoric hunters, the animals usually roamed much farther north, indicating this bone had been brought from afar.And it was clearly…

The stone tool was glued into a handle made of liquid bitumen with the addition of 55% ocher. It is no longer sticky and can be handled easily. Credit: Patrick Schmidt Neanderthals created stone tools held together by a multi-component adhesive, a team of scientists has discovered. Its findings, which are the earliest evidence of a complex adhesive in Europe, suggest these predecessors to modern humans had a higher level of…

A human bone fragment from the new excavations at Ranis in Germany. Credit: Tim Schüler TLDA. , CC BY-ND The idea that two different human species, Homo sapiens (us) and Neanderthals, co-existed in western Eurasia 50–40,000 years ago has long captured the imagination of academics and the public alike. It is therefore not surprising that this time…

Researchers propose a reevaluation of the cultural evolution of Homo sapiens during their dispersal across Eurasia, suggesting a gradual and complex process rather than a swift revolution. Their study challenges traditional views by focusing on the evolution of stone tool technology, indicating that significant innovations occurred after the initial dispersal of Homo sapiens, particularly with the development of bladelet technology. Credit: SciTechDaily.comContrary to previous beliefs, significant advancements in stone…

Researchers at the site in Ranis, Germany, had to get around a massive rock to find the human-made tools. Pioneering groups of humans braved icy conditions to settle in northern Europe more than 45,000 years ago, a "huge surprise" that means they could have lived there alongside Neanderthals, scientists said Wednesday. The international team of…

Quirks and Quarks17:37Understanding when (earlier), and how (cleverly), stone-age people lived in EuropeSeveral recent discoveries unveiled this week are shedding light on the lives of ancient humans, and their inventiveness and resilience as they initially spread around the world.First, three papers published in the journal Nature describe the discovery of human bones at a cave near Ranis, in northern Germany. Detailed analysis of the bones and sediments from the cave suggest the humans were there 45,000 years ago,…