Latest news with #GeoffSmith
Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Inside a 1,25,000-year-old Neanderthal ‘fat factory' in Germany, scientists find clues to survival
Neanderthals living near a lake in what is now Germany may have run an early version of a 'fat factory' around 125,000 years ago, scientists say. According to a new study reported by CNN, researchers found that these early humans broke animal bones and boiled them to collect fat, a key source of nutrition in their diet. The evidence comes from Neumark-Nord, a site south of Halle in central Germany, where archaeologists analysed more than 120,000 bone fragments and 16,000 flint tools. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, also found signs of fire use near the bones and tools. Researchers believe the Neanderthals crushed bones rich in marrow using stone tools and then boiled them to release fat. The fat, once separated, could be collected and stored. This process likely required planning and cooperation, showing how organised and skilled Neanderthals were in surviving their environment. 'This attitude that Neanderthals were dumb this is another data point that proves otherwise,' said Wil Roebroeks, a coauthor of the study and professor of Paleolithic archaeology at Leiden University, speaking to CNN. The researchers say that Neanderthals might have boiled the bones using containers made from tree bark, animal skins or stomach linings. They may have consumed the fat as a kind of broth, possibly mixing it with plants for flavour and extra nutrition. Geoff Smith, another coauthor and zooarchaeologist at the University of Reading, said the charred remains of hazelnuts, acorns and sloe plums found at the site suggest Neanderthals added plants to their food. 'They were master planners who could look ahead, organise complex tasks, and squeeze every last calorie from their environment,' Smith told CNN. The researchers say the Neanderthals understood the dangers of eating only lean meat. Without enough fat in their diet, early humans risked malnutrition or 'protein poisoning' — a condition caused by eating too much protein and not enough fat or carbohydrates. To avoid this, they likely relied on bone grease as a vital energy source. Most of the bones found at Neumark-Nord came from around 172 large animals, including horses, deer and the now-extinct aurochs, a wild ancestor of modern cattle. The bones selected were mostly long bones, which contain more fat. Commenting on the study, Ludovic Slimak, an archaeologist at France's National Centre for Scientific Research, said the findings provide solid evidence that Neanderthals had developed 'specific strategies to extract and process' fat from bones. He told CNN the results match other research that shows Neanderthals were 'highly skilled big-game hunters.' Bruce Hardy, a professor of anthropology at Kenyon College in Ohio who was not involved in the research, called Neumark-Nord 'the best example yet of bone-grease rendering' from that period of the Stone Age. 'It may well represent the smouldering gun, or simmering bone broth, of Neanderthal bone-grease rendering,' he said.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
125,000-year-old ‘fat factory' reveals Neanderthals crushed bones for precious protein
A recent excavation at the Neumark-Nord 2 site in central Germany has witnessed stunning revelations regarding how Neanderthals tackled cold, brutal winters. Researchers have found that humans in those times used to crack open bones to extract fatty marrow from bone cavities more than 1.5 million years ago. Beyond these activities, Neanderthals also crushed large mammal bones from at least 172 large animals into thousands of fragments to render calorie-rich bone grease by heating them in water. Dr Geoff Smith, co-author from the University of Reading, said: 'This discovery shows that Neanderthals at Neumark-Nord 2 conducted sophisticated resource management tens of thousands of years earlier than previously thought." "These weren't simple hunter-gatherers just getting by day to day—they were master planners who could look ahead, organise complex tasks, and squeeze every last calorie from their environment,' he continued. The findings led by archaeologists across different universities have indicated that Neanderthals ran a 'fat factory' by selecting a lakeside location specifically for this purpose. The location was chosen to process bones from 172 large mammals, including deer, horses, and aurochs. These activities were previously said to be limited to later human groups. However, current findings suggest they could be dated back to Neanderthals as early as 125,000 years ago. The Neumark-Nord site in Germany has been studied for many years, starting in the 1980s. From 2004 to 2009, archaeologists from MONREPOS and Leiden University dug at one part of the site all year round. They also ran a field school there, training over 175 students from around the world. In 2023, researchers found strong evidence that Neanderthals hunted and cut up straight-tusked elephants—huge animals weighing up to 13 tons, which could feed more than 2,000 adults in one go. They also used fire to manage the land and processed many different animals at different spots. All of this shows that Neanderthals were much better at planning and using their environment than we used to think. Neumrk-Nort site was first excavated from 2004 to 2009 by a group of researchers hailing from different parts of the world. "What makes Neumark-Nord so exceptional is the preservation of an entire landscape, not just a single site,' noted Leiden-based author Prof. Wil Roebroeks. "We see Neanderthals hunting and minimally butchering deer in one area, processing elephants intensively in another, and—as this study shows—rendering fat from hundreds of mammal skeletons in a centralized location. There's even some evidence of plant use, which is rarely preserved," he added. That Neanderthals lived an organized lifestyle would seem like an overstatement. However, the findings of researchers do suggest that might have been the case. "Neanderthals were clearly managing resources with precision—planning hunts, transporting carcasses, and rendering fat in a task-specific area," said Dr. Lutz Kindler, the study's first author. "They understood both the nutritional value of fat and how to access it efficiently - most likely involving caching carcass parts at places in the landscape for later transport to and use at the grease rendering site." he said, stating his observations. A brief overview of the study suggests that Neanderthals practiced resource intensification by saving materials and getting more out of them. Before this study, the first proof of resource intensification being used by humans dated back to 28,000 years ago. The study also revealed that the process of extracting grease from bones could have saved Neanderthals from protein poisoning, also known as rabbit starvation, since they continuously ate meat. This study was published in the Science journal.
Malaysian Reserve
09-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Construction Trailblazer Geoff Smith Appointed Chancellor of George Brown College
Former EllisDon CEO brings decades of industry leadership and a bold vision to Toronto's premier college, helping shape the future of education and the workforce. TORONTO, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ – George Brown College proudly announces the appointment of Geoff Smith, former President and CEO of EllisDon, as its new Chancellor. A transformative figure in Canada's construction industry and a vocal champion of innovation, Smith will be officially installed during George Brown's Convocation Week, June 9 to 13th, 2025, at Meridian Hall. Smith brings a wealth of experience from a career spent leading one of Canada's largest construction services and technology companies through major industry shifts, from advancement of technology to a stronger focus on sustainability. In his new role, he aims to help students navigate these changes by promoting adaptability, continuous learning, and strong interpersonal skills. Smith's longstanding connection to the college spans years and includes hiring graduates, supporting student placements, contributing philanthropically, and supporting senior leadership in overseeing the construction of George Brown's first Waterfront Campus facility. Under his previous leadership, EllisDon became a fully employee-owned company and a recognized force for progressive change in the industry. 'It brings me great honour to be given this opportunity to be George Brown College's incoming Chancellor,' said Geoff Smith, Executive Chairman of EllisDon's Board of Directors. 'This role is one I do not take lightly and truly hope to inspire current students and graduates to learn, grow, be agile, and be inspired to make a positive impact in our community.' 'Geoff's commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence aligns perfectly with our values,' said George Brown College President Dr. Gervan Fearon. 'As Chancellor, his perspective will help us better equip students with the skills, mindset, and adaptability needed to thrive in a changing world, and to drive economic growth in Toronto and beyond. We're excited to welcome him and to collaborate on the impact he'll bring to our community.' Smith follows in the footsteps of Noella Milne (2019–2025) and Sally Horsfall Eaton (2012–2018), continuing a tradition of distinguished leadership at George Brown College. About George Brown College Toronto's George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples. George Brown prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, research and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 175 full-time programs and 182 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 30,100 full-time students and receives more than 53,900 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees. About EllisDon Corporation EllisDon is an employee-owned global construction services and technology company with a purpose to redefine the construction industry. EllisDon is focused on innovation and sustainability while delivering the future of construction by empowering people to push beyond traditional construction boundaries. With thousands of salaried and hourly employees across fifteen national and international offices, EllisDon has become a leader in every sector and nearly every facet of the construction industry. For more information, please visit
Cision Canada
09-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Construction Trailblazer Geoff Smith Appointed Chancellor of George Brown College
Former EllisDon CEO brings decades of industry leadership and a bold vision to Toronto's premier college, helping shape the future of education and the workforce. TORONTO, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ - George Brown College proudly announces the appointment of Geoff Smith, former President and CEO of EllisDon, as its new Chancellor. A transformative figure in Canada's construction industry and a vocal champion of innovation, Smith will be officially installed during George Brown's Convocation Week, June 9 to 13 th, 2025, at Meridian Hall. Smith brings a wealth of experience from a career spent leading one of Canada's largest construction services and technology companies through major industry shifts, from advancement of technology to a stronger focus on sustainability. In his new role, he aims to help students navigate these changes by promoting adaptability, continuous learning, and strong interpersonal skills. Smith's longstanding connection to the college spans years and includes hiring graduates, supporting student placements, contributing philanthropically, and supporting senior leadership in overseeing the construction of George Brown's first Waterfront Campus facility. Under his previous leadership, EllisDon became a fully employee-owned company and a recognized force for progressive change in the industry. "It brings me great honour to be given this opportunity to be George Brown College's incoming Chancellor," said Geoff Smith, Executive Chairman of EllisDon's Board of Directors. "This role is one I do not take lightly and truly hope to inspire current students and graduates to learn, grow, be agile, and be inspired to make a positive impact in our community." "Geoff's commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence aligns perfectly with our values," said George Brown College President Dr. Gervan Fearon. "As Chancellor, his perspective will help us better equip students with the skills, mindset, and adaptability needed to thrive in a changing world, and to drive economic growth in Toronto and beyond. We're excited to welcome him and to collaborate on the impact he'll bring to our community." Smith follows in the footsteps of Noella Milne (2019–2025) and Sally Horsfall Eaton (2012–2018), continuing a tradition of distinguished leadership at George Brown College. About George Brown College Toronto's George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples. George Brown prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, research and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 175 full-time programs and 182 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 30,100 full-time students and receives more than 53,900 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees. About EllisDon Corporation EllisDon is an employee-owned global construction services and technology company with a purpose to redefine the construction industry. EllisDon is focused on innovation and sustainability while delivering the future of construction by empowering people to push beyond traditional construction boundaries. With thousands of salaried and hourly employees across fifteen national and international offices, EllisDon has become a leader in every sector and nearly every facet of the construction industry. For more information, please visit SOURCE George Brown College
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
i3 Verticals to Participate in June 2025 Investor Conferences
NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--i3 Verticals, Inc. ("i3 Verticals" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: IIIV), announced today that management plans to participate in four upcoming investor conferences: Conference Date Time and Place Participant(s) Baird Global Consumer, Technology & Services Conference Wednesday,June 4, 2025 1x1 meetings Presentation - 11:25 a.m. ET InterContinental New York BarclayNew York, N.Y. Geoff Smith, CFO Clay Whitson, CSO Benchmark Fintech Conference Thursday,June 5, 2025 1x1 meetings Fireside chat - 11 a.m. ET Virtual Geoff Smith, CFO Clay Whitson, CSOMolly Lanford,Director FP&A BMO Virtual Software Conference Monday,June 9, 2025 1x1 meetings Virtual Clay Whitson, CSOMolly Lanford,Director FP&A D.A. Davidson Consumer & Technology Conference Tuesday,June 10, 2025 1x1 meetings Four Seasons Nashville, Tenn. Clay Whitson, CSOMolly Lanford,Director FP&A About i3 Verticals The Company delivers seamless enterprise software to customers in strategic vertical markets. Building on its sophisticated and diverse platform of software and services solutions, the Company creates and acquires software products to serve the specific needs of public and private organizations in the Public Sector. View source version on Contacts Clay WhitsonChief Strategy Officer(888) 251-0987Investorrelations@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
