Evolution

  1. Genetics

    Gene activity sets humans apart from extinct hominids

    Differences in gene activity caused by DNA methylation distinguish modern people from Neandertals and Denisovans.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  2. Anthropology

    Turkana Boy sparks row over Homo erectus height

    Estimating the adult height and weight of an ancient youth from his skeleton has proven tricky.

    By Bruce Bower
  3. Genetics

    Neandertal legacy written in Europeans’ fat metabolism

    DNA inherited from Neandertal interbreeding may have helped people adjust to Europe’s environment.

    By Meghan Rosen
  4. Archaeology

    Fire used regularly for cooking for 300,000 years

    Israeli cave yields a fireplace where Stone Age crowd may have cooked up social change.