New Scientist - Humans New Scientist - Humans https://www.newscientist.com/ New Scientist - Humans https://www.newscientist.com/build/images/ns-logo-scaled.ed2dc11a.png https://www.newscientist.com daily 1 Humans caught more diseases after we domesticated animals https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398708-humans-caught-more-diseases-after-we-domesticated-animals/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:40:46 +0100 Analysis of DNA from human remains up to 37,000 years old shows that more infectious diseases jumped from animals to people after the dawn of farming 2398708-humans-caught-more-diseases-after-we-domesticated-animals|2398708 How changing the way you sit could add years to your life https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24732913-000-how-changing-the-way-you-sit-could-add-years-to-your-life/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 15 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0100 Our bodies evolved to take rest breaks, but sitting on chairs and couches can cause long-term damage. Here’s how to change the way you sit and boost your health mg24732913-000-how-changing-the-way-you-sit-could-add-years-to-your-life|2248881 People around Europe have eaten seaweed for thousands of years https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397961-people-around-europe-have-eaten-seaweed-for-thousands-of-years/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Tue, 17 Oct 2023 17:00:51 +0100 Traces of algae on teeth found at archaeological sites suggest that seaweeds may have been a staple part of European diets from the Mesolithic until the Middle Ages 2397961-people-around-europe-have-eaten-seaweed-for-thousands-of-years|2397961 A site used by ancient humans was also a latrine for giant hyenas https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397457-a-site-used-by-ancient-humans-was-also-a-latrine-for-giant-hyenas/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Mon, 16 Oct 2023 07:00:08 +0100 Stone tools, mammal bones and fossilised faeces hint that hominins and hyenas scavenged for food at the same place 1.4 million years ago 2397457-a-site-used-by-ancient-humans-was-also-a-latrine-for-giant-hyenas|2397457 The desire for legacy is a mental glitch but we can use it for good https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034600-200-the-desire-for-legacy-is-a-mental-glitch-but-we-can-use-it-for-good/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Tue, 10 Oct 2023 17:00:00 +0100 The strange drive to be remembered after death may result from a cognitive glitch, but it could help solve big problems from climate change to inequality mg26034600-200-the-desire-for-legacy-is-a-mental-glitch-but-we-can-use-it-for-good|2396187 Student uses AI to decipher word in ancient scroll from Herculaneum https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397583-student-uses-ai-to-decipher-word-in-ancient-scroll-from-herculaneum/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 13 Oct 2023 21:10:50 +0100 A computer science student has discovered the first decipherable word in unopened scrolls from Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius 2397583-student-uses-ai-to-decipher-word-in-ancient-scroll-from-herculaneum|2397583 Early humans lived in Ethiopian highlands 2 million years ago https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397291-early-humans-lived-in-ethiopian-highlands-2-million-years-ago/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Thu, 12 Oct 2023 20:00:57 +0100 A child’s jawbone found in Ethiopia is one of the earliest fossils identified as Homo erectus, and shows ancient hominins settled in high-altitude areas 2397291-early-humans-lived-in-ethiopian-highlands-2-million-years-ago|2397291 Neanderthals hunted cave lions with spears and made use of their pelts https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397317-neanderthals-hunted-cave-lions-with-spears-and-made-use-of-their-pelts/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:00:32 +0100 Fossilised remains of extinct big cats called cave lions display evidence of butchery, showing that Neanderthals had the skills to take on top predators 2397317-neanderthals-hunted-cave-lions-with-spears-and-made-use-of-their-pelts|2397317 Mysterious Viking queen may have helped unify Denmark in the 900s https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396731-mysterious-viking-queen-may-have-helped-unify-denmark-in-the-900s/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 11 Oct 2023 01:01:16 +0100 Queen Thyra, the mother of King Harald Bluetooth, was commemorated on four runestones in different parts of Denmark – suggesting she was a powerful figure 2396731-mysterious-viking-queen-may-have-helped-unify-denmark-in-the-900s|2396731 The Amazon may contain thousands of undiscovered ancient structures https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396260-the-amazon-may-contain-thousands-of-undiscovered-ancient-structures/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Thu, 05 Oct 2023 20:00:37 +0100 Archaeological surveys have uncovered earthworks built by pre-Columbian societies across the Amazon, suggesting the rainforest isn't as pristine as we once thought 2396260-the-amazon-may-contain-thousands-of-undiscovered-ancient-structures|2396260 Humans lived on Spanish plateau during Earth's last cold snap https://www.newscientist.com/article/2395924-humans-lived-on-spanish-plateau-during-earths-last-cold-snap/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:00:16 +0100 Prehistoric people endured frigid and dry conditions in the highlands of central Spain during the coldest part of the last glacial period 2395924-humans-lived-on-spanish-plateau-during-earths-last-cold-snap|2395924 Read an extract from The Seventh Son by Sebastian Faulks https://www.newscientist.com/article/2394874-read-an-extract-from-the-seventh-son-by-sebastian-faulks/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 29 Sep 2023 11:00:11 +0100 This intriguing extract is taken from The Seventh Son by Sebastian Faulks, the latest pick for our New Scientist Book Club. It sees a billionaire entrepreneur recruiting a scientist for his new project, which will have major implications for the human race 2394874-read-an-extract-from-the-seventh-son-by-sebastian-faulks|2394874 Sebastian Faulks: ‘Homo sapiens is a very odd creature’ https://www.newscientist.com/article/2394958-sebastian-faulks-homo-sapiens-is-a-very-odd-creature/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 29 Sep 2023 11:00:02 +0100 The award-winning novelist Sebastian Faulks on how he came to set his new novel The Seventh Son – the latest pick for our New Scientist Book Club – a little way into the future 2394958-sebastian-faulks-homo-sapiens-is-a-very-odd-creature|2394958 Ancient baskets and shoes reveal skill of prehistoric weavers https://www.newscientist.com/article/2394372-ancient-baskets-and-shoes-reveal-skill-of-prehistoric-weavers/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:00:48 +0100 Well-preserved artefacts found in a Spanish cave show that advanced plant-based crafts were practised in Europe 9500 years ago 2394372-ancient-baskets-and-shoes-reveal-skill-of-prehistoric-weavers|2394372 Prehistoric people in Spain may have made tools from human bones https://www.newscientist.com/article/2393136-prehistoric-people-in-spain-may-have-made-tools-from-human-bones/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:00:06 +0100 The Cueva de los Marmoles cave in Granada, Spain, was used as a prehistoric human burial site. Researchers have found that nearly a third of the bones that remain were altered by tools, possibly to make bowls, cups or spatulas 2393136-prehistoric-people-in-spain-may-have-made-tools-from-human-bones|2393136 Earliest evidence of buildings made from wood is 476,000 years old https://www.newscientist.com/article/2392894-earliest-evidence-of-buildings-made-from-wood-is-476000-years-old/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:00:56 +0100 We tend to think that ancient humans were constantly on the move, but at a site in Zambia there are the first tentative hints that people stayed put and built large wooden dwellings 2392894-earliest-evidence-of-buildings-made-from-wood-is-476000-years-old|2392894 Why the ancient hominins of Asia are so mysterious https://www.newscientist.com/article/2392510-why-the-ancient-hominins-of-asia-are-so-mysterious/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 15 Sep 2023 22:40:23 +0100 When it comes to ancient humans in Asia, we have so many fossils and no consensus on how to make sense of them 2392510-why-the-ancient-hominins-of-asia-are-so-mysterious|2392510 Stone Age carvings of animal footprints identified by expert trackers https://www.newscientist.com/article/2391787-stone-age-carvings-of-animal-footprints-identified-by-expert-trackers/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 13 Sep 2023 20:00:46 +0100 Animal footprints carved into rock thousands of years ago depict over 40 species, a trio of trackers has determined 2391787-stone-age-carvings-of-animal-footprints-identified-by-expert-trackers|2391787 How humans brought cannabis to every corner of the globe https://www.newscientist.com/article/2391228-how-humans-brought-cannabis-to-every-corner-of-the-globe/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 08 Sep 2023 12:00:06 +0100 Cannabis originated in East Asia but can now be found growing on every continent except Antarctica – thanks to human trade and cultivation 2391228-how-humans-brought-cannabis-to-every-corner-of-the-globe|2391228 Cave art pigments show how ancient technology changed over 4500 years https://www.newscientist.com/article/2391272-cave-art-pigments-show-how-ancient-technology-changed-over-4500-years/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 08 Sep 2023 11:00:59 +0100 The source of ochre minerals used by Stone Age humans in an Ethiopian cave changed over a 4500-year period, although it is unclear why 2391272-cave-art-pigments-show-how-ancient-technology-changed-over-4500-years|2391272 Terracotta Army shoes reveal secrets of ancient Chinese footwear https://www.newscientist.com/article/2390687-terracotta-army-shoes-reveal-secrets-of-ancient-chinese-footwear/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Tue, 05 Sep 2023 16:14:38 +0100 An analysis of the sculpted shoes on the statues in China’s Terracotta Army, which dates back about 2200 years, suggests that their real-life soldier equivalents had surprisingly flexible footwear 2390687-terracotta-army-shoes-reveal-secrets-of-ancient-chinese-footwear|2390687 A million years of marijuana: How cannabis became our favourite weed https://www.newscientist.com/article/2389449-a-million-years-of-marijuana-how-cannabis-became-our-favourite-weed/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:00:16 +0100 Cannabis was one of the first crops that humans cultivated about 12,000 years ago. But medicinal and psychoactive uses are much more recent 2389449-a-million-years-of-marijuana-how-cannabis-became-our-favourite-weed|2389449 Mysterious ancient stones were deliberately made into spheres https://www.newscientist.com/article/2390655-mysterious-ancient-stones-were-deliberately-made-into-spheres/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 06 Sep 2023 01:01:25 +0100 Stone balls found at a site used by early humans about 1.4 million years ago didn’t become round after being used as hammers, but were intentionally knapped into spheres 2390655-mysterious-ancient-stones-were-deliberately-made-into-spheres|2390655 How artefacts are found tells its own story – if we want to hear it https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25934543-400-how-artefacts-are-found-tells-its-own-story-if-we-want-to-hear-it/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 30 Aug 2023 19:00:00 +0100 It is easy to overlook the circumstances surrounding the discovery of ancient artefacts, but the insight this gives us into modern lives is just as valuable as the find itself mg25934543-400-how-artefacts-are-found-tells-its-own-story-if-we-want-to-hear-it|2389802 Our ancestors may have come close to extinction 900,000 years ago https://www.newscientist.com/article/2390124-our-ancestors-may-have-come-close-to-extinction-900000-years-ago/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Thu, 31 Aug 2023 20:00:47 +0100 A genetic analysis suggests our ancestral population fell as low as around 1300 individuals nearly a million years ago, but other experts aren't convinced 2390124-our-ancestors-may-have-come-close-to-extinction-900000-years-ago|2390124 The untold story of the curiously controversial Homo floresiensis dig https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25934540-900-the-untold-story-of-the-curiously-controversial-homo-floresiensis-dig/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 30 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0100 The discovery of Homo floresiensis revolutionised the study of human evolution, but it was rocked by accusations of theft. Twenty years on, here's the full story behind the episode mg25934540-900-the-untold-story-of-the-curiously-controversial-homo-floresiensis-dig|2389302 'Scent of eternity' worn by ancient Egyptian mummy has been revealed https://www.newscientist.com/article/2390048-scent-of-eternity-worn-by-ancient-egyptian-mummy-has-been-revealed/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Thu, 31 Aug 2023 17:00:02 +0100 A balm used in the mummification of an ancient Egyptian who died 3500 years ago contains ingredients hinting at long-distance trade 2390048-scent-of-eternity-worn-by-ancient-egyptian-mummy-has-been-revealed|2390048 Ancient humans may have worn shoes more than 100,000 years ago https://www.newscientist.com/article/2389497-ancient-humans-may-have-worn-shoes-more-than-100000-years-ago/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Tue, 29 Aug 2023 11:20:37 +0100 Three archaeological sites in South Africa feature impressions that might have been made by ancient footwear, but pinpointing when humans first wore shoes is challenging 2389497-ancient-humans-may-have-worn-shoes-more-than-100000-years-ago|2389497 The human Y chromosome has been fully sequenced for the first time https://www.newscientist.com/article/2388720-the-human-y-chromosome-has-been-fully-sequenced-for-the-first-time/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 23 Aug 2023 17:00:59 +0100 The Y chromosome, which normally confers male characteristics, features large amounts of repetitive DNA, which meant it was difficult to compile a complete sequence until now 2388720-the-human-y-chromosome-has-been-fully-sequenced-for-the-first-time|2388720 These ancient sand drawings could be a fifth type of palaeoart https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25934530-200-these-ancient-sand-drawings-could-be-a-fifth-type-of-palaeoart/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 23 Aug 2023 19:00:00 +0100 Was this perfect circle with a central depression drawn by our ancestors in the sand, around 136,000 years ago? Palaeontologist Charles Helm certainly thinks so mg25934530-200-these-ancient-sand-drawings-could-be-a-fifth-type-of-palaeoart|2388219 Women and men throw spears equally well using ancient atlatl tool https://www.newscientist.com/article/2388999-women-and-men-throw-spears-equally-well-using-ancient-atlatl-tool/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Thu, 24 Aug 2023 18:00:30 +0100 Men typically throw objects with a greater velocity than women can – but with a spear-launching tool called an atlatl, men and women’s throwing velocity is indistinguishable 2388999-women-and-men-throw-spears-equally-well-using-ancient-atlatl-tool|2388999 Ötzi the iceman was dark-skinned and balding, suggests genome analysis https://www.newscientist.com/article/2387604-otzi-the-iceman-was-dark-skinned-and-balding-suggests-genome-analysis/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 16 Aug 2023 17:00:12 +0100 The genome of Ötzi, the 5300-year-old mummified man found in the Alps, was first published in 2012, but a more accurate readout has changed the story of where his ancestors came from 2387604-otzi-the-iceman-was-dark-skinned-and-balding-suggests-genome-analysis|2387604 Alice Roberts interviewed by a 10-year-old about her novel, Wolf Road https://www.newscientist.com/video/2386633-alice-roberts-interviewed-by-a-10-year-old-about-her-novel-wolf-road/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 09 Aug 2023 14:15:11 +0100 Alice Roberts has just published the children’s novel, Wolf Road. New Scientist decided that the best person to quiz her about it was culture editor Alison Flood’s 10-year-old daughter Jenny 2386633-alice-roberts-interviewed-by-a-10-year-old-about-her-novel-wolf-road|2386633 How prehistoric people settled one of Earth’s most extreme places https://www.newscientist.com/article/2386570-how-prehistoric-people-settled-one-of-earths-most-extreme-places/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 09 Aug 2023 09:00:39 +0100 Archaeologists previously believed the Tibetan plateau was one of the last places to be settled by humans or hominins – over the past couple of decades that notion has been slowly but comprehensively blown apart 2386570-how-prehistoric-people-settled-one-of-earths-most-extreme-places|2386570 Alice Roberts: Archaeology can create a world for stories to unfold in https://www.newscientist.com/video/2386449-alice-roberts-archaeology-can-create-a-world-for-stories-to-unfold-in/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Mon, 07 Aug 2023 18:00:59 +0100 Alice Roberts' first children’s book, Wolf Road explores an Ice Age world 30,000 years ago through the eyes of a prehistoric girl called Tuuli. "I wanted to immerse people in that kind of ancient environment, in that ancient time and use archeology to build a world that then a story could unfold in" 2386449-alice-roberts-archaeology-can-create-a-world-for-stories-to-unfold-in|2386449 We are hopeless at telling when we have goosebumps https://www.newscientist.com/article/2385966-we-are-hopeless-at-telling-when-we-have-goosebumps/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 04 Aug 2023 13:00:01 +0100 A study that filmed people's skin while they watched emotional videos found that most of them incorrectly reported when they did or did not have goosebumps   2385966-we-are-hopeless-at-telling-when-we-have-goosebumps|2385966 Ancient Babylonian arson in Jerusalem revealed by chemical clues https://www.newscientist.com/article/2385449-ancient-babylonian-arson-in-jerusalem-revealed-by-chemical-clues/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 02 Aug 2023 09:00:43 +0100 By analysing charred remains of a Jerusalem building, archaeologists have uncovered details of how it was burned down by Babylonian invaders in 586 BC 2385449-ancient-babylonian-arson-in-jerusalem-revealed-by-chemical-clues|2385449 Ancient make-up in Chinese tomb includes concealer and skin lightener https://www.newscientist.com/article/2384091-ancient-make-up-in-chinese-tomb-includes-concealer-and-skin-lightener/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 28 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0100 Two cosmetic products have been identified from residues in the tomb of a non-noble woman who lived in China 2000 years ago, suggesting the widespread use of make-up 2384091-ancient-make-up-in-chinese-tomb-includes-concealer-and-skin-lightener|2384091 Origin of Indo-European languages traced back to 8000 years ago https://www.newscientist.com/article/2385057-origin-of-indo-european-languages-traced-back-to-8000-years-ago/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:00:30 +0100 An analysis of related words in 161 languages suggests their shared roots lie in the Middle East – a conclusion that also fits with DNA evidence 2385057-origin-of-indo-european-languages-traced-back-to-8000-years-ago|2385057 Ancient utensils bear traces of 2000-year-old Vietnamese curry https://www.newscientist.com/article/2383816-ancient-utensils-bear-traces-of-2000-year-old-vietnamese-curry/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 21 Jul 2023 20:00:21 +0100 Remnants of eight spices were found on a sandstone slab from an archaeological site in Vietnam, showing the early adoption of ingredients and techniques from south Asia 2383816-ancient-utensils-bear-traces-of-2000-year-old-vietnamese-curry|2383816 Ancient humans hunted animals by throwing a stick like a boomerang https://www.newscientist.com/article/2383392-ancient-humans-hunted-animals-by-throwing-a-stick-like-a-boomerang/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 19 Jul 2023 20:00:00 +0100 Analysis of a wooden stick thought to be around 300,000 years old suggests it was designed to be thrown rotationally, rather than as a spear 2383392-ancient-humans-hunted-animals-by-throwing-a-stick-like-a-boomerang|2383392 Tooth analysis reveals ancient Iberian leader was female https://www.newscientist.com/article/2381355-tooth-analysis-reveals-ancient-iberian-leader-was-female/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Thu, 06 Jul 2023 17:00:38 +0100 Molecular evidence has revealed that a person buried with lavish goods over 4000 years ago was female, not male as previously thought 2381355-tooth-analysis-reveals-ancient-iberian-leader-was-female|2381355 Ancient Scandinavians wrote encrypted messages in runes 1500 years ago https://www.newscientist.com/article/2381177-ancient-scandinavians-wrote-encrypted-messages-in-runes-1500-years-ago/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:51:31 +0100 Objects from Norway and Sweden, some dating from AD 500 to 700, show clear evidence of encryption using runic symbols, the alphabet later used by the Vikings 2381177-ancient-scandinavians-wrote-encrypted-messages-in-runes-1500-years-ago|2381177 The civilisation myth: How new discoveries are rewriting human history https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25834450-800-the-civilisation-myth-how-new-discoveries-are-rewriting-human-history/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Tue, 27 Jun 2023 18:15:00 +0100 In an evolutionary eyeblink, our species has gone from hunting and gathering to living in complex societies. We need to rethink the story of this monumental transition mg25834450-800-the-civilisation-myth-how-new-discoveries-are-rewriting-human-history|2379735 History reveals vital new lessons in how to make our societies better https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25834453-400-history-reveals-vital-new-lessons-in-how-to-make-our-societies-better/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:00:00 +0100 At a time when the future of human civilisation looks shaky, a reappraisal of how we got here suggests that changing direction may be easier than we think mg25834453-400-history-reveals-vital-new-lessons-in-how-to-make-our-societies-better|2380360 Stone tools in Filipino cave were used to make ropes 40,000 years ago https://www.newscientist.com/article/2380684-stone-tools-in-filipino-cave-were-used-to-make-ropes-40000-years-ago/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 30 Jun 2023 20:00:58 +0100 Marks on stone tools found in the Tabon Caves on Palawan island in the Philippines suggest they were used for processing plant fibres, allowing the creation of ropes, baskets and other items 2380684-stone-tools-in-filipino-cave-were-used-to-make-ropes-40000-years-ago|2380684 Ape family tree suggests human ancestors weren’t particularly violent https://www.newscientist.com/article/2379915-ape-family-tree-suggests-human-ancestors-werent-particularly-violent/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 30 Jun 2023 07:00:46 +0100 An evolutionary analysis of behavioural traits across primate species may shed light on the question of whether humans are violent by nature 2379915-ape-family-tree-suggests-human-ancestors-werent-particularly-violent|2379915 Utopia: The ancient discoveries that point to the ideal human society https://www.newscientist.com/article/0-utopia-the-ancient-discoveries-that-point-to-the-ideal-human-society/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Tue, 27 Jun 2023 18:15:00 +0100 Anthropology and archaeology are revealing that a human society can take myriad forms, which can teach us how to build a modern society that is more equal, resilient and stable 0-utopia-the-ancient-discoveries-that-point-to-the-ideal-human-society|2380008 The myth that men hunt while women stay at home is entirely wrong https://www.newscientist.com/article/2380011-the-myth-that-men-hunt-while-women-stay-at-home-is-entirely-wrong/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 28 Jun 2023 20:00:27 +0100 An analysis of foraging societies from around the world has found that women hunt in the vast majority of those looked at, confirming that the idea of gender division in providing food is a myth 2380011-the-myth-that-men-hunt-while-women-stay-at-home-is-entirely-wrong|2380011 The societies proving that inequality and patriarchy aren't inevitable https://www.newscientist.com/article/0-the-societies-proving-that-inequality-and-patriarchy-arent-inevitable/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Tue, 27 Jun 2023 18:15:00 +0100 Today’s complex societies are pretty homogeneous, but experimental cultures, past and present, teach us how to think more creatively about the way we live 0-the-societies-proving-that-inequality-and-patriarchy-arent-inevitable|2379992 Finger marks on cave walls are among the earliest Neanderthal art https://www.newscientist.com/article/2379164-finger-marks-on-cave-walls-are-among-the-earliest-neanderthal-art/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 21 Jun 2023 20:00:38 +0100 Symbols have been found carved on the walls of a cave in France that was inhabited by Neanderthals before being sealed off at least 57,000 years ago 2379164-finger-marks-on-cave-walls-are-among-the-earliest-neanderthal-art|2379164 Artistic artefacts are rewriting the timeline of ancient South America https://www.newscientist.com/article/2378638-artistic-artefacts-are-rewriting-the-timeline-of-ancient-south-america/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 16 Jun 2023 12:00:11 +0100 A slew of newly found artefacts in South America are revealing surprisingly familiar ways ancient people in the region expressed their creativity, including sculpted figurines, a communal drum and perhaps a previously unrecognised form of writing 2378638-artistic-artefacts-are-rewriting-the-timeline-of-ancient-south-america|2378638 We’ve got intelligence all wrong – and that’s endangering our future https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24933174-700-weve-got-intelligence-all-wrong-and-thats-endangering-our-future/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 13 Jan 2021 14:00:00 +0000 A narrow focus on IQ to determine success is depriving us of key decision-making smarts, as our faltering response to problems such as covid-19 and climate change shows mg24933174-700-weve-got-intelligence-all-wrong-and-thats-endangering-our-future|2264794 Human evolution: The astounding new story of the origin of our species https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24532760-800-human-evolution-the-astounding-new-story-of-the-origin-of-our-species/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 01 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100 Forget the simple out-of-Africa idea of how humans evolved. A huge array of fossils and genome studies has completely rewritten the story of how we came into being. mg24532760-800-human-evolution-the-astounding-new-story-of-the-origin-of-our-species|2238976 The hidden rules that determine which friendships matter to us https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24933240-700-the-hidden-rules-that-determine-which-friendships-matter-to-us/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 03 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar has found that our friendships are governed by secret rules, based on everything from your sex to your sleep schedule. Our unique social fingerprints help determine who we are drawn to, which friendships last and why some friends are ultimately replaceable mg24933240-700-the-hidden-rules-that-determine-which-friendships-matter-to-us|2269706 The 7 primes of life: Why each decade comes with its own superpowers https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25033413-100-the-7-primes-of-life-why-each-decade-comes-with-its-own-superpowers/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 30 Jun 2021 16:20:00 +0100 You might think we peak in our 20s or 30s before enduring a slow decline, but each era of our lives brings new strengths – even old age. Here's how to make the most of them mg25033413-100-the-7-primes-of-life-why-each-decade-comes-with-its-own-superpowers|2282627 Fossils in Laos cave imply modern humans were in Asia 86,000 years ago https://www.newscientist.com/article/2378160-fossils-in-laos-cave-imply-modern-humans-were-in-asia-86000-years-ago/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Tue, 13 Jun 2023 17:30:04 +0100 Human skull and shinbone fragments found in a cave in northern Laos suggest modern humans may have been in South-East Asia between 68,000 and 86,000 years ago, considerably further back than the previous estimates of around 50,000 years 2378160-fossils-in-laos-cave-imply-modern-humans-were-in-asia-86000-years-ago|2378160 Who is Ancestor X? The biggest mystery in human evolution https://www.newscientist.com/article/2335613-who-is-ancestor-x-the-biggest-mystery-in-human-evolution/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 31 Aug 2022 19:14:15 +0100 The search for the direct ancestor of humans, Neanderthals and Denisovans has been protracted and puzzling. Now, fresh clues are adding a surprising twist to the tale 2335613-who-is-ancestor-x-the-biggest-mystery-in-human-evolution|2335613 The unique, vanishing languages that hold secrets about how we think https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25834430-800-the-unique-vanishing-languages-that-hold-secrets-about-how-we-think/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Mon, 12 Jun 2023 17:00:00 +0100 Language isolates, like Chimané from Bolivia, are unrelated to any other known tongue. Studying them is revealing how languages evolve and influence our perception of the world around us mg25834430-800-the-unique-vanishing-languages-that-hold-secrets-about-how-we-think|2377906 Homo naledi may have made etchings on cave walls and buried its dead https://www.newscientist.com/article/2376824-homo-naledi-may-have-made-etchings-on-cave-walls-and-buried-its-dead/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Mon, 05 Jun 2023 20:00:59 +0100 New discoveries suggest that Homo naledi, an ancient and primitive hominin, may have displayed complex behaviour despite its small brain 2376824-homo-naledi-may-have-made-etchings-on-cave-walls-and-buried-its-dead|2376824 Ancient humans may have risked their lives making stone tools https://www.newscientist.com/article/2376608-ancient-humans-may-have-risked-their-lives-making-stone-tools/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 02 Jun 2023 09:00:35 +0100 Modern flintknappers experience a wide variety of injuries that could have led to life-changing consequences or death for ancient humans making stone tools 2376608-ancient-humans-may-have-risked-their-lives-making-stone-tools|2376608 Plague first came to Britain from Europe at least 4000 years ago https://www.newscientist.com/article/2376146-plague-first-came-to-britain-from-europe-at-least-4000-years-ago/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Tue, 30 May 2023 17:00:40 +0100 DNA from Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that caused the Black Death, has been found in the teeth of three people who lived in Britain during the Bronze Age 2376146-plague-first-came-to-britain-from-europe-at-least-4000-years-ago|2376146 Babies can identify people's faces from just 4 months old https://www.newscientist.com/article/2375815-babies-can-identify-peoples-faces-from-just-4-months-old/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Mon, 29 May 2023 07:00:54 +0100 Infants may pick up on people's faces before anything else, which could explain why they can be scared of strangers at a young age 2375815-babies-can-identify-peoples-faces-from-just-4-months-old|2375815 Why our brain uses up more energy than that of any other animal https://www.newscientist.com/article/2373899-why-our-brain-uses-up-more-energy-than-that-of-any-other-animal/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 19 May 2023 07:00:56 +0100 Our brain's high energy demands, particularly in certain key areas, may have enabled us to evolve uniquely advanced cognitive traits 2373899-why-our-brain-uses-up-more-energy-than-that-of-any-other-animal|2373899 Humans were kissing at least 4500 years ago, reveal ancient texts https://www.newscientist.com/article/2374337-humans-were-kissing-at-least-4500-years-ago-reveal-ancient-texts/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Thu, 18 May 2023 20:00:28 +0100 Many sources claim sexual kissing spread worldwide from South Asia 3500 years ago, but there is evidence it was practised in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt much earlier than that 2374337-humans-were-kissing-at-least-4500-years-ago-reveal-ancient-texts|2374337 Stone Age blueprints are the oldest architectural plans ever found https://www.newscientist.com/article/2373937-stone-age-blueprints-are-the-oldest-architectural-plans-ever-found/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 17 May 2023 20:00:15 +0100 Plans etched into stone tablets depict vast hunting traps called desert kites built 9000 years ago, showing a mastery of geometry long before the invention of writing 2373937-stone-age-blueprints-are-the-oldest-architectural-plans-ever-found|2373937 What is longtermism and why do its critics think it is dangerous? https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25834382-400-what-is-longtermism-and-why-do-its-critics-think-it-is-dangerous/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 10 May 2023 14:00:00 +0100 Longtermism is an increasingly influential branch of moral philosophy. At its most extreme, it can justify ignoring problems like homelessness and climate change – but other versions are available mg25834382-400-what-is-longtermism-and-why-do-its-critics-think-it-is-dangerous|2372488 The mental tricks you can use in your lifelong pursuit of happiness https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25834382-200-the-mental-tricks-you-can-use-in-your-lifelong-pursuit-of-happiness/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 10 May 2023 14:00:00 +0100 Evidence-based tweaks to the way you think about your day are the secret of how to be happy over the course of your life mg25834382-200-the-mental-tricks-you-can-use-in-your-lifelong-pursuit-of-happiness|2372486 Your saliva may determine which types of wine you prefer https://www.newscientist.com/article/2371293-your-saliva-may-determine-which-types-of-wine-you-prefer/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 05 May 2023 16:00:36 +0100 People from Chinese or Western backgrounds reported having different tastes in wines, which may partly come down to the concentrations of their salivary proteins 2371293-your-saliva-may-determine-which-types-of-wine-you-prefer|2371293 DNA from 25,000-year-old tooth pendant reveals woman who wore it https://www.newscientist.com/article/2371898-dna-from-25000-year-old-tooth-pendant-reveals-woman-who-wore-it/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 03 May 2023 17:00:04 +0100 A new technique for extracting DNA from ancient artefacts without destroying them could give us unprecedented insights about the people who made or wore them 2371898-dna-from-25000-year-old-tooth-pendant-reveals-woman-who-wore-it|2371898 What is really going on when we microwave our food? https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25834350-700-what-is-really-going-on-when-we-microwave-our-food/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 19 Apr 2023 19:00:00 +0100 Sam Wong digs into the science of microwaves, dispelling some common myths – and makes a tasty mug cake in just a few minutes mg25834350-700-what-is-really-going-on-when-we-microwave-our-food|2369113 People in China are the least likely to report being left-handed https://www.newscientist.com/article/2369496-people-in-china-are-the-least-likely-to-report-being-left-handed/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 19 Apr 2023 23:00:05 +0100 In some countries, including China, people are more likely to report being right handed if they are educated beyond secondary school level or live in a country where there may be a stigma around left-handedness 2369496-people-in-china-are-the-least-likely-to-report-being-left-handed|2369496 Can we ever know who invented the wheel? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2368365-can-we-ever-know-who-invented-the-wheel/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 14 Apr 2023 11:00:54 +0100 Some of the most important inventions – wheels, nets and the written word – have creators lost to time, even though their impact shaped the world we live in 2368365-can-we-ever-know-who-invented-the-wheel|2368365 Wine experts’ unique nasal microbiome may affect their smell and taste https://www.newscientist.com/article/2368212-wine-experts-unique-nasal-microbiome-may-affect-their-smell-and-taste/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Thu, 13 Apr 2023 07:00:32 +0100 People who work in the wine industry may have fewer and less diverse bacteria in their nose compared with non-vocational wine drinkers, which could affect their sense of smell and taste 2368212-wine-experts-unique-nasal-microbiome-may-affect-their-smell-and-taste|2368212 Bone fragment reveals humans wore leather clothes 39,000 years ago https://www.newscientist.com/article/2368783-bone-fragment-reveals-humans-wore-leather-clothes-39000-years-ago/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 12 Apr 2023 20:00:16 +0100 A study of an ancient bone from Spain with a strange pattern of notches hints that it was used by early Homo sapiens in Europe as a punch board for making holes in leather 2368783-bone-fragment-reveals-humans-wore-leather-clothes-39000-years-ago|2368783 Famous Benin Bronzes from West Africa used metal sourced in Germany https://www.newscientist.com/article/2368057-famous-benin-bronzes-from-west-africa-used-metal-sourced-in-germany/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 05 Apr 2023 20:00:10 +0100 Chemical analysis of metal sculptures made in West Africa between the 16th and 19th centuries provides evidence that may reshape the understanding of Germany’s involvement with the Benin Bronzes 2368057-famous-benin-bronzes-from-west-africa-used-metal-sourced-in-germany|2368057 Why we fall for wellness, even when the science says it doesn't work https://www.newscientist.com/article/2365983-why-we-fall-for-wellness-even-when-the-science-says-it-doesnt-work/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:30:28 +0100 The wellness industry tells us we can be healthier and more productive through quick fixes and supplements. Author Colleen Derkatch investigated why, even when we know it sounds too good to be true, wellness can be irresistible 2365983-why-we-fall-for-wellness-even-when-the-science-says-it-doesnt-work|2365983 How the secrets of ancient cuneiform texts are being revealed by AI https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25533981-400-how-the-secrets-of-ancient-cuneiform-texts-are-being-revealed-by-ai/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 03 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +0100 Much of the world’s first writing, carved into clay tablets, remains undeciphered. Now AI is helping us piece together this ancient Mesopotamian script, revealing the incredible stories of men, women and children at the dawn of history mg25533981-400-how-the-secrets-of-ancient-cuneiform-texts-are-being-revealed-by-ai|2331700 How the secrets of ancient cuneiform texts are being revealed by AI https://www.newscientist.com/article/2391296-how-the-secrets-of-ancient-cuneiform-texts-are-being-revealed-by-ai/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 03 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +0100 Much of the world’s first writing, carved into clay tablets, remains undeciphered. Now AI is helping us piece together this ancient Mesopotamian script, revealing the incredible stories of men, women and children at the dawn of history 2391296-how-the-secrets-of-ancient-cuneiform-texts-are-being-revealed-by-ai|2391296 Why preserving your lemons in salt will make them even tastier https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25734311-200-why-preserving-your-lemons-in-salt-will-make-them-even-tastier/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 22 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0000 The flavour of fresh lemon is delicious, but this citrus fruit becomes even more wonderful when it is preserved in salt, says Sam Wong mg25734311-200-why-preserving-your-lemons-in-salt-will-make-them-even-tastier|2365235 Ancient humans may have cooked and eaten snails 170,000 years ago https://www.newscientist.com/article/2366118-ancient-humans-may-have-cooked-and-eaten-snails-170000-years-ago/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Sat, 25 Mar 2023 12:00:22 +0000 Snail shell fragments found in a cave in South Africa appear to have been heated, providing the earliest evidence for humans eating snails 2366118-ancient-humans-may-have-cooked-and-eaten-snails-170000-years-ago|2366118 Hunter-gatherer genes gave European farmers an immunity boost https://www.newscientist.com/article/2365903-hunter-gatherer-genes-gave-european-farmers-an-immunity-boost/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Thu, 23 Mar 2023 15:00:15 +0000 An analysis of ancient genomes has revealed that the descendants of Stone Age farmers in Europe and hunter-gatherers gained more genes from the latter group than expected 2365903-hunter-gatherer-genes-gave-european-farmers-an-immunity-boost|2365903 Cave paintings of mutilated hands could be a Stone Age sign language https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25734300-900-cave-paintings-of-mutilated-hands-could-be-a-stone-age-sign-language/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 15 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +0000 Palaeolithic hand stencils with missing fingers could indicate ritual mutilation or frostbite – but new research suggests they might be trying to tell us something mg25734300-900-cave-paintings-of-mutilated-hands-could-be-a-stone-age-sign-language|2363983 The lowdown on stretching: How flexible do you actually need to be? https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25133430-300-the-lowdown-on-stretching-how-flexible-do-you-actually-need-to-be/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 14 Jul 2021 13:00:00 +0100 Many people strive to touch their toes or do the splits, but it is perfectly possible to get all the benefits of stretching without pushing your body to its limits mg25133430-300-the-lowdown-on-stretching-how-flexible-do-you-actually-need-to-be|2283903 Nature, nurture, luck: Why you are more than just genes and upbringing https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25534050-900-nature-nurture-luck-why-you-are-more-than-just-genes-and-upbringing/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:00:00 +0100 Your genes and environment play a big part in forming you, but there is an unexplored third element at play too: luck. The chance events that shape your brain in the womb may influence who you become as much as your genetics, and perhaps even more than the effect of parenting mg25534050-900-nature-nurture-luck-why-you-are-more-than-just-genes-and-upbringing|2338493 Growing younger: Radical insights into ageing could help us reverse it https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25433843-000-growing-younger-radical-insights-into-ageing-could-help-us-reverse-it/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 27 Apr 2022 13:00:00 +0100 New insight into how we age suggests it may be driven by a failure to switch off the forces that build our bodies. If true, it could lead to a deeper understanding of ageing – and the possibility of slowing it mg25433843-000-growing-younger-radical-insights-into-ageing-could-help-us-reverse-it|2317553 The archaeologists recreating the secrets of prehistoric technology https://www.newscientist.com/article/2364153-the-archaeologists-recreating-the-secrets-of-prehistoric-technology/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Tue, 14 Mar 2023 20:12:21 +0000 It has long been unclear how ancient people built a city of wood in the New Mexico desert far from any forests. By trying prehistoric building techniques themselves, archaeologists are working it out 2364153-the-archaeologists-recreating-the-secrets-of-prehistoric-technology|2364153 Don't Miss: 65, a sci-fi dinosaur thriller by writers of A Quiet Place https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25734290-600-dont-miss-65-a-sci-fi-dinosaur-thriller-by-writers-of-a-quiet-place/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 08 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0000 New Scientist's weekly round-up of the best books, films, TV series, games and more that you shouldn't miss mg25734290-600-dont-miss-65-a-sci-fi-dinosaur-thriller-by-writers-of-a-quiet-place|2362891 Relics illuminate the wreck of HMS Gloucester, a 17th-century warship https://www.newscientist.com/article/2363164-relics-illuminate-the-wreck-of-hms-gloucester-a-17th-century-warship/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 08 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0000 Shipwrecked off the Norfolk coast in 1682, the HMS Gloucester was rediscovered in 2007. A new exhibition showcases some of the items found on board 2363164-relics-illuminate-the-wreck-of-hms-gloucester-a-17th-century-warship|2363164 Anaximander review: Did Anaximander create science, asks Carlo Rovelli https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25734290-500-anaximander-review-did-anaximander-create-science-asks-carlo-rovelli/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 08 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0000 Ancient philosopher Anaximander's discoveries about rain, wind and the cosmos may make him the true force behind modern science, argues physicist Carlo Rovelli in his newly republished first book mg25734290-500-anaximander-review-did-anaximander-create-science-asks-carlo-rovelli|2362890 Creature review: Human nature is key to a sci-fi ballet https://www.newscientist.com/article/2362734-creature-review-human-nature-is-key-to-a-sci-fi-ballet/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Sun, 05 Mar 2023 15:00:59 +0000 The ballet Creature, adapted for film, worries about how we treat other primates, but its subtleties are overwhelmed by simple moralising and a metaphor that doesn’t work. The dancing is superb, though 2362734-creature-review-human-nature-is-key-to-a-sci-fi-ballet|2362734 Earliest signs of horse riding found in 5000-year-old human remains https://www.newscientist.com/article/2362765-earliest-signs-of-horse-riding-found-in-5000-year-old-human-remains/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 03 Mar 2023 19:00:12 +0000 The bones of nine men from graves in Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania show hallmarks of horse riding in the patterns of wear on their spines, legs and pelvises 2362765-earliest-signs-of-horse-riding-found-in-5000-year-old-human-remains|2362765 Don't Miss: The Mandalorian's third season, streaming on Disney+ https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25734280-700-dont-miss-the-mandalorians-third-season-streaming-on-disney/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 01 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0000 New Scientist's weekly round-up of the best books, films, TV series, games and more that you shouldn't miss mg25734280-700-dont-miss-the-mandalorians-third-season-streaming-on-disney|2361405 See the top shots in the Woman Science Photographer of the Year award https://www.newscientist.com/article/2361736-see-the-top-shots-in-the-woman-science-photographer-of-the-year-award/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 01 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0000 From bioluminescent marine algae to soap bubbles, these stunning images are some of the winners and finalists for the inaugural RPS Woman Science Photographer of the Year competition 2361736-see-the-top-shots-in-the-woman-science-photographer-of-the-year-award|2361736 Frozen Head review: Why do some people want to be frozen after death? https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25734280-600-frozen-head-review-why-do-some-people-want-to-be-frozen-after-death/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 01 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0000 We still don't know if freezing humans for a second life is possible, but a gripping new podcast from Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley takes a deep look inside the practice mg25734280-600-frozen-head-review-why-do-some-people-want-to-be-frozen-after-death|2361404 Moai statue discovered in a dried-up lake on Easter Island https://www.newscientist.com/article/2362615-moai-statue-discovered-in-a-dried-up-lake-on-easter-island/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Thu, 02 Mar 2023 21:02:39 +0000 A moai statue has been discovered on Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, at the bottom of a lake that has been shrinking for several years 2362615-moai-statue-discovered-in-a-dried-up-lake-on-easter-island|2362615 Magisteria review: How science and religion have a tangled past https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25734280-500-magisteria-review-how-science-and-religion-have-a-tangled-past/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 01 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0000 Some argue that science and religion have always been separate and at war, but an eye-opening new book from Nicholas Spencer reveals complex and intertwined histories mg25734280-500-magisteria-review-how-science-and-religion-have-a-tangled-past|2361403 How to use the science of fat to make delicious, confit food https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25734273-200-how-to-use-the-science-of-fat-to-make-delicious-confit-food/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 22 Feb 2023 18:00:00 +0000 Fat gets a bad rap, but it is key to making enjoyable foods like confit pork. You can also use the confit method for parsnips, says Sam Wong mg25734273-200-how-to-use-the-science-of-fat-to-make-delicious-confit-food|2360424 Next Exit film review: New tale of the afterlife takes a wrong turn https://www.newscientist.com/article/2360459-next-exit-film-review-new-tale-of-the-afterlife-takes-a-wrong-turn/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Wed, 22 Feb 2023 18:00:42 +0000 Two volunteers sign up for euthanasia to help a research project when evidence of consciousness after death emerges. The idea’s great, but the script could use a bit more life 2360459-next-exit-film-review-new-tale-of-the-afterlife-takes-a-wrong-turn|2360459 Animalia review: Intriguing sci-fi thriller, shame about the aliens https://www.newscientist.com/article/2361258-animalia-review-intriguing-sci-fi-thriller-shame-about-the-aliens/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=humans Fri, 24 Feb 2023 13:29:09 +0000 Faith, freedom and spirituality are key to a well-made sci-fi psychological thriller, Animalia. But writer-director Sofia Alaoui leaves the aliens dangling in an unsatisfying ending 2361258-animalia-review-intriguing-sci-fi-thriller-shame-about-the-aliens|2361258