Archaeologists Find Neanderthal Tools Dating Back 55,000 Years
Researchers from the University of Washington excavating a site in China have found Neanderthal tools dating back almost 55,000 years. Their findings were published March 31 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
According to the study, scientists found at the site, known as Longtan, 'compelling evidence of core exploitation, production of large and thick flakes, shaping and maintenance of scrapers exhibiting the whole Quina concept, typical of contemporary European Middle Paleolithic technologies developed by Neanderthal groups.'The site dates back roughly 55,000 years, which is when researchers believe the Longtan community was incorporated. It also lines up with similar tools discovered throughout Europe. This particular type of manufacturing has long been associated with Neanderthals, but it wasn't believed to have moved into the borders of Eastern Asia. The discovery challenges the popular belief that China was slower to develop than other regions.
'This is a big upset to the way we think about that part of the world in that period of time,' Ben Marwick, co-author and a professor of archaeology at the university, told Ancient Origins. 'It really raises the question of, what else were people doing during this period that we haven't found yet? How is this going to change how we think about people and human evolution in this area?'
Marwick believes this discovery is just being made because of recent advancements in archaeology throughout China. As local archaeologists become more aware of finds around the globe, they're able to more easily recognize what they uncover. 'The idea that nothing has changed for such a long time in East Asia also has a tight grip on people,' he said. 'They haven't been considering the possibility of finding things that challenge that. Now maybe there are some scholars who are interested in questioning those ideas.'The excavation will continue until, Marwick hopes, human remains are discovered. 'That could answer the question of whether these tools are the product of a modern human like you and me,' he asserted. 'There have never been any Neanderthals found in East Asia, but could we find a Neanderthal? Or, more likely, could we find a Denisovan, which is another kind of human ancestor? If we can find the human remains associated with this period, we might find something surprising — maybe even a new human ancestor that we don't know about yet.'
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Miami Herald
19 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Study finds football fan rituals can create emotional mob mentality
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He says it's in the best interest of clubs to strike a balance between building loyalty, which Europeans and South Americans are excellent at doing, and making it safe for people to participate in. However, Xygalatas is not advocating for less passion and he hopes his work helps people understand why they care so deeply in the first place. He added: "If we look at what makes us human, we realize that it's our ability and our need to derive meaning from things that seem meaningless." The post Study finds football fan rituals can create emotional mob mentality appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
Boston Globe
a day ago
- Boston Globe
Marine heat waves are spreading around the world
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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
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The next full moon – known as the Strawberry Moon – will appear on 10 June, peaking the following morning. It's not named for its colour, but because it marks the start of wild strawberry season. Some people say the full moon messes with their sleep, mood or energy. And it's not just superstition – scientists are now looking into whether lunar phases can influence things like sleep, hormones, heart health and mental wellbeing. So, is there anything in it? Here's what we know – and how to feel your best when the moon rolls around. Despite the name, the Strawberry Moon doesn't actually turn pink. The nickname comes from Native American and European traditions that tied full moons to seasonal events – in this case, the strawberry harvest. You might also hear it called the Rose Moon, Honey Moon or Mead Moon, depending on where in the world you are. This year's Strawberry Moon will be particularly striking. It's the lowest-hanging full moon of 2025 in the Northern Hemisphere, which means it will look bigger and more golden as it rises at dusk. No telescope needed – just head outside and look up. The idea that the moon impacts our health has been around for centuries. While not all of it is backed by stats (and results are often mixed), scientists are starting to dig deeper into potential connections. Here's what some of the research says: A 2013 study from the University of Basel found people took longer to fall asleep, got 30% less deep sleep, and slept about 20 minutes less during a full moon, even in controlled rooms without light or clocks. More recently, researchers at the University of Washington found a similar pattern: people went to bed later and slept less in the days leading up to a full moon, no matter where they lived or whether they had electric lighting. It means since moonlight and bedtime habits were ruled out, something else might be at play, in this case, maybe our body's own rhythm responding to the lunar cycle. The average menstrual cycle lasts around 28 to 30 days – similar to the lunar cycle – so it's no surprise the two have long been linked. In fact, the word 'menstruation' shares roots with the Greek word for moon (mene) and the Latin for month (mensis). A small 1980 study did find that some women were more likely to start their periods around the new moon. But a large-scale analysis from 2017 by period-tracking app Clue, covering more than 7.5 million cycles, found no consistent link between period start dates and moon phases. Studies on the moon's impact on heart health have been mixed. A 2021 Japanese study found no link between moon phases and out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. However, a small 2013 study reported that blood pressure readings were slightly lower during full and new moons – suggesting a subtle effect on circulation. The idea that the moon affects our mood goes way back. The word 'luna' (Latin for moon) was even linked to emotional shifts in ancient times. Modern research, though, doesn't show a clear link. A 2017 study in psychiatry reported no significant rise in mental health issues during different moon phases. That said, research suggests people with conditions like bipolar disorder may be more sensitive to sleep disruptions, which, as we've seen, can happen around the full moon. So if you have mood changes, it's less likely due to the moon and could be more about the knock-on effects of poorer rest. Even if you're not usually moon-sensitive, there's no harm in building a few easy habits around the full moon, especially if it helps you feel more balanced and better rested. Wind down early. Try switching off a bit sooner in the evenings before the full moon. Even 15 minutes can help signal to your brain it's time to relax. Block out the glow. Blackout curtains or an eye mask can support melatonin production, the hormone that helps you sleep. Move your body. A little gentle exercise during the day (like walking or yoga) can help regulate sleep and release stress. Skip the caffeine – or cut back after 2pm. It can sneakily mess with your sleep, even if you feel fine. Track patterns: If you notices changes, jot down how you feel during different moon phases. You might be more in sync than you realise. Read more: Strawberry moon to rise over Britain next week, but it will be in an odd place (Yahoo News UK, 3-min read) What It Means to Get Your Period on a Full Moon (21 Ninety, 3-min read) What is 'moon breathing'? The ancient technique that promises to help you fall asleep (New York Post, 3-min read)
