Humans have been driving a global reduction in mammal size for thousands of years
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Cover Stories
Study Sheds New Light on Neanderthal Anatomy
Surviving climate change, then and now
Unusual climate during Roman times plunged Eurasia into hunger and disease
Humans may have occupied Indonesian site earlier than previously thought
Researchers return to the site of Leang Burung 2 after 30 years to uncover new artifacts and revise early dating estimates.
Early modern human migration out of Africa more geographically widespread than previously thought
The first Homo sapiens fossil discovery from Saudi Arabia dates to nearly 90,000 years ago during a time when the region's deserts were replaced by grasslands.
Genetics of the modern heirs of the Incas sheds new light about their origins and lineages
The first study on families of documented Inca nobility ancestry shows at least two patrilineal clusters and their origins linked to the lake Titicaca and Southern Cusco region.
Smithsonian reports first evidence of live-traded dogs for Maya ceremonies
Spread of agriculture into central Anatolia
Scientists discover evidence of early human innovation, pushing back evolutionary timeline
Evidence of innovation dates to a period when humans faced an unpredictable and uncertain environment, according to three new studies.
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Other Stories
Multispectral imaging reveals ancient Hebrew inscription undetected for over 50 years
Military correspondence from the First Temple period discovered on reverse side of well-studied artifact at The Israel Museum, Tel Aviv University researchers say.
New research reveals earliest directly dated rock paintings from southern Africa
Scientists have pioneered a technique to directly date prehistoric rock paintings in southern Africa, which revealed dates much older than previously thought.
Springs were critical water sources for early humans in East Africa, Rutgers study finds
Scientists show how groundwater-fed springs may have influenced human evolution.
Shared genetic heritage from Sicily to Cyprus
A new genomic study on southern Mediterranean reveals a genetic continuity across geographic and national borders.
Bonobos may be better representation of last common ancestor with humans
Study examined muscles of bonobos and found they are more closely related to humans than common chimpanzees.
Secrets of the paleo diet: Discovery reveals plant-based menu of prehistoric man
A collection of 780,000-year-old edible plants found in Israel is the largest and most diverse in the Levantine corridor linking Africa and Eurasia.
Bitumen from Middle East discovered in 7th century buried ship in UK
Presence of rare tar-like material may suggest trade between Middle East, British Isles.
Bone scans suggest early hominin ‘Lucy’ spent significant time in trees
Australopithecus afarensis arm bones were strong relative to leg bones; walking gait was likely inefficient.
A National Treasure Tells the Story of Hawaii’s Heritage
Archaeology meets the public at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum.
Neanderthal inheritance helped humans adapt to life outside of Africa
Traits inherited for skin and the immune system may have helped buttress survivability through the ages, new study suggests.
Middle Stone Age ochre processing tools reveal cultural and behavioral complexity
Range of ochre processing techniques produced powder of varying color and coarseness.
The Once and Future Cobá
Best known for its Maya ruins, today’s living community of Cobá is set to get a major face lift.
Study finds earliest evidence in fossil record for right-handedness
Teeth striations of Homo habilis fossil date back 1.8 million years.
