Archaeology
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AnthropologyChristina Warinner uncovers ancient tales in dental plaque
Molecular biologist Christina Warinner studies calculus, or fossilized dental plaque, which contains a trove of genetic clues to past human diet and disease.
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AnthropologyThe rise of agricultural states came at a big cost, a new book argues
In ‘Against the Grain,’ a political scientist claims early states took a toll on formerly mobile groups’ health and happiness.
By Bruce Bower -
AnthropologySkeleton ignites debate over whether women were Viking warriors
Scientists spar over a 10th century woman who may have had serious fight in her.
By Bruce Bower -
ArchaeologyPeople may have lived in Brazil more than 20,000 years ago
Stone Age humans left behind clues of their presence at a remote Brazilian rock shelter.
By Bruce Bower -
ArchaeologyPeople may have lived in Brazil more than 20,000 years ago
Stone Age humans left behind clues of their presence at a remote Brazilian rock shelter.
By Bruce Bower -
AnthropologyFiery re-creations show how Neandertals could have easily made tar
Neandertals could have made tar with simple methods and materials on hand, new experiments show.
By Bruce Bower -
ArchaeologyAncient mud documents the legacy of Rome’s lead pipes
Researchers used lead levels in Rome’s ancient harbors to track lead pipe use and urbanization.
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AnthropologySome secrets of China’s terra-cotta army are baked in the clay
Specialized production system lay behind the famous terra-cotta troops found in ancient Chinese emperor’s tomb.
By Bruce Bower -
AnthropologySacrificed dog remains feed tales of Bronze Age ‘wolf-men’ warriors
Canine remnants of a possible Bronze Age ceremony inspire debate.
By Bruce Bower -
ArchaeologyHumans first settled in Australia as early as 65,000 years ago
Australia may have said “G’day” to humankind thousands of years earlier than previously believed.
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GeneticsDog domestication happened just once, ancient DNA study suggests
DNA of ancient canines counters idea that dogs were domesticated twice, in Europe and Asia.
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ArchaeologyCopper in Ötzi the Iceman’s ax came from surprisingly far away
Copper for the ancient Iceman’s blade traveled about 500 kilometers to his northern Italian home region.
By Bruce Bower