Latest news with #Homosapiens
Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
Not just Homo Sapiens: There were 20+ human species that walked the Earth with the modern man; Where are they now?
Once, Earth was home to diverse human species, not just Homo sapiens. Fossil evidence reveals at least 21 early human species, including Neanderthals and Denisovans, coexisted and even interbred with our ancestors. While the reasons for their extinction remain a mystery, factors like climate change, competition, and interbreeding likely played roles. Modern humans are often seen as the pinnacle of evolution and the only ones to have grown and developed over centuries. But in evolutionary terms, not long ago, we shared the planet with a number of other human species. These ancient relatives were not just distant ancestors but our contemporaries, walking the Earth at the same time with our ancestors, even in the same places. They lived, adapted, created tools, even interacted and had children with us. The picture of human evolution is not a straight line from primitive to modern but rather a tangled tree with many branches, where some of these branches ended in extinction and others merged. But who are the other types of human species that walked along the ancestors of the Homo Sapiens, and why couldn't they survive till today? A crowded family tree For most of human history, Homo sapiens weren't alone. Fossil evidence shows that at least 21 species of early humans once roamed the Earth. These included well-known relatives like Neanderthals, as well as Homo Naledi and Homo Luzonensis, as suggested by recent fossil discoveries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Among these, some species lasted millions of years, while others were short-lived experiments in survival. The modern Homo Sapiens didn't just follow other human species; they overlapped with them. Homo sapiens lived alongside Neanderthals and Denisovans, sometimes for thousands of years. In some regions, they shared regional tools and even genes. Interbreeding between Homo sapiens and these relatives left traces in the DNA, especially in populations today outside Africa. These weren't short-lived events; they were complex interactions between intelligent, adaptable beings trying to survive a shifting world. In fact, any of these species wasn't alone; they were part of a larger and connected human world. The mystery of the missing species Despite advances in archaeology and genetics, many early human species remain a mystery. Some are known only from a few bones or teeth, like the Denisovans, for example, whose full skeleton has not been found till date. Instead, their story is put together from fragments and DNA. Scientists continue to debate how many species truly existed, since definitions of "species" can vary. Did they look different enough? Could they have kids together? These uncertainties mean the real number of human species might be far higher than 21. Why could only one species make it to today? The reasons aren't fully clear. It could be that they were more adaptable, better at cooperating, or just luckier. Climate change, competition for resources, and even disease may have wiped out other human species. Some were already disappearing when we arrived. Others may have blended into our gene pool through interbreeding. But there is one certainty that survival wasn't guaranteed; Homo Sapiens' today came at the cost of other lost human lineages.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Osteoarchaeologist Uncovers Shocking Link Between Brain Condition and Neanderthals
Modern humans may owe more to Neanderthals than just a few genetic quirks, and in at least one case, that inheritance might come with serious health risks. A new study suggests that Chiari malformation type I, a brain abnormality that affects up to 1 in 100 people, may be tied to DNA inherited from Neanderthals. The condition happens when the lower part of the brain extends into the spinal canal, often causing severe headaches, neck pain, and other complications. Researchers had long suspected that interbreeding between Homo sapiens and ancient hominin species could play a role in the shape mismatch between the brain and skull that leads to this defect. But this new research points a finger squarely at Neanderthals, not other early human relatives like Homo erectus or Homo heidelbergensis. Led by osteoarchaeologist Kimberly Plomp at the University of the Philippines, Science Alert reports the team used 3D modeling and skull shape analysis on more than 100 modern human skulls, comparing those with Chiari malformation to those without. They also examined eight fossil skulls from ancient species, including Neanderthals. Their finding? Only the skulls of Neanderthals showed a similarity to the bone structure of modern people with Chiari malformations, especially in the area where the brain meets the spine. This challenges an earlier theory from 2013 that broadly connected the defect to multiple ancient human species. Instead, researchers now propose what they're calling the Neanderthal Introgression Hypothesis, suggesting the condition may trace specifically back to Neanderthal ancestry. The next step is expanding the study to include more skull samples and testing across different populations. Since African groups have far less Neanderthal DNA than European or Asian groups, future research could reveal patterns in how widespread the condition is based on genetic inheritance. Ultimately, understanding this ancient connection could offer new insight into diagnosing and possibly preventing Chiari malformations. The researchers believe their methods could help unravel the causes of the condition and lead to better treatment Uncovers Shocking Link Between Brain Condition and Neanderthals first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 16, 2025
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Scientists just found a 140,000-year-old child's skull in Israel, and what they found could change human history
A child's skull, almost 140,000 years old, was found in Israel. Researchers believe it shows interbreeding between modern humans and Neanderthals. The skull has both Homo sapiens and Neanderthal traits. CT scans helped in the analysis. Some scientists disagree and want DNA evidence. The discovery could change views on human evolution. It suggests interbreeding occurred earlier than thought. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Skull shows both modern and Neanderthal features New reconstruction raises old questions Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Debate continues among scientists Implications for human evolution A nearly 140,000-year-old child's skull found in Skhul Cave, Israel, may show evidence of interbreeding between modern humans and Neanderthals, researchers said in a new study. The partially reconstructed skull, first discovered almost a century ago, belonged to a child believed to be around 3 to 5 years old and was recently examined using modern scanning research, published in the July-August issue of L'Anthropologie, was led by Anne Dambricourt Malasse at the Institute of Human Paleontology in France. Her team used CT scans to re-analyse the skull, which was previously restored with plaster, limiting scientific study for braincase of the child displays features common to Homo sapiens, but the mandible — or jawbone — appeared more similar to Neanderthal anatomy. It lacked a chin and showed traits typical of Neanderthals, suggesting a possible mixed lineage."This study is maybe the first that has put the Skhul child's remains on a scientific basis," said John Hawks of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who was not involved in the research. "The old reconstruction and associated work, literally set in plaster, did not really enable anyone to compare this child with a broader array of recent children to understand its biology."The skull had several missing parts, including much of the facial area and the base. The rest of the bones were in fragments. Using modern technology, the team developed a clearer reconstruction, bringing new attention to the child's all experts agree with the hybrid theory. Some researchers caution that DNA evidence is needed to confirm the claim. Others believe the observed traits may reflect natural variation within early modern humans."Even if not 1st-generation hybrids, it's certainly possible that the Skhul fossils reflect some gene flow between the 2 populations," said Chris Stringer, a paleoanthropologist at the Natural History Museum in London, who also did not take part in the study. "Overall though, looking at all the material, including the skeletons, the material still primarily aligns with Homo sapiens, in my view."If proven to be a hybrid, the skull would support the idea that modern humans and Neanderthals interbred more often and earlier than previously thought. This could change long-held views about human migration and studies suggest that genetic exchange between the two species may have occurred about 100,000 years ago. The Skhul child may provide a physical example of this interaction."I have long thought that hybridisations were not viable and I continue to think that they were mostly abortive," said Malasse. "This skeleton reveals that they were nevertheless possible, even though this little girl lived only 5 years."
Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
AI is trying to bridge the communication gap between people and pets. Who needs that?
There's something primordial in the bond between Homo sapiens and Canis lupus familiaris. Dogs helped hairless apes become people and humans helped wolves become dogs. From palaeolithic hunting companions down to social media celebs, there has been a seamless, wordless bond between the species. But, as with so many things, the AI hype can't leave well enough alone. Several companies are now promising to 'translate' what your canine or feline companion is trying to say when she wags her tail, sulks for attention or purrs. The danger, though, is this: What is gained in translation may be lost in affection. The Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience at the London School of Economics will deploy considerable resources to bridge the communication gap between species. There is much to gain from the endeavour. For too long, a human-centric view of personhood — which ignores intelligent, feeling creatures as diverse as corvids and apes, dolphins and elephants — has resulted in cruelty on the one hand and limited how we interact with these animals on the other. But when it comes to pets, do we really need to know what they are 'saying'? More importantly, predictive models may tell people what they want to hear, rather than what the animal 'means'. Take the pooch you have had for years. The eagerness with which he greets every member of the family when they return, the comfort of every winter cuddle, even the manipulative looks as they seek scraps from the table — what if it was all just translated to 'food giver here'? And the disdain of the domestic feline might ruin the self-esteem of the most secure persons. These words can be lies of translation. Because the language people share with their pets is no less complex or complete than those humans reserve for each other. In essence, it is a love beyond words. Let's not ruin that.
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Miami Herald
Meta delivers eye-popping AI announcement
Catastrophic forgetting. Don't worry. I am not talking about politics. Catastrophic forgetting is a "lovely" feature of deep neural networks. They overwrite old knowledge when learning new things. There are different ways to mitigate this, but the problem persists. If this problem were solved, we wouldn't have new papers with new mitigation methods. The most recent one is from July 11, titled "Catastrophic Forgetting Mitigation Through Plateau Phase Activity Profiling." Science still doesn't know how human memory works. I don't even need to discuss different theories about how memories are "stored" in the brain to prove my point. Related: Microsoft wants to help you live longer Quote from a study, Beyond the Pump: A Narrative Study Exploring Heart Memory, should be enough: "Studies indicate that heart transplant recipients may exhibit preferences, emotions, and memories resembling those of the donors, suggesting a form of memory storage within the transplanted organ." What is the next big advancement for AI, artificial hearts? I've already written that there is no intelligence without consciousness, and you can't get consciousness by "building" intelligence. It does not work that way. Alas, I have to admit, forgetting is something that Homo sapiens does have in common with neural networks. Humans forget things too quickly. This is why our civilization works the way it does. Don't get me wrong: I don't hate "AI". Google's DeepMind is doing wonderful research on deciphering the way Dolphins communicate, which is a perfect example of how large language models are put to good use. Unfortunately, most companies are super focused on using LLMs to build "real" AI chatbots, which will lead nowhere. One company that has become hellbent on building the best AI in the universe is Meta Platforms. Don't you hate those horrible buzzwords like quiet quitting, career catfishing, and other cringeworthy horrors of LinkedIn? Well, I have one buzzword for Meta free of charge: panic investing. Meta (META) thinks the clock is ticking, and some other company might get the holy grail of all tech, such as AGI, superintelligence, or, to be comical, Skynet. Whoever makes that AI will be spared by the Terminators. That is how Meta's investing strategy makes it look. I covered Meta's string of recent investments, which ended with what to me looks like a desperate move. But let's go over that list again. Related: How Apple may solve its Google Search problem The investment speed shifted gear after Meta invested $14.8 billion in Scale AI and acquired a 49% nonvoting stake. The company poached big AI names like Alexandr Wang, Koray Kavukcuoglu, Dr. Jack Rae, voice AI expert Johan Schalkwyk, OpenAI researchers Lucas Beyer, Alexander Kolesnikov, and Xiaohua Zhai. The desperate move was hiring Apple's executive in charge of AI models, Ruoming Pang. Meta isn't stopping; if anything, it is shifting gears again and investing even more. Mark Zuckerberg posted his plan for superintelligence on Threads and Facebook on Monday. "We're also going to invest hundreds of billions of dollars into compute to build superintelligence. We have the capital from our business to do this," said Zuckerberg in his message. Zuckerberg also said that Meta is building several multi-GW clusters. The first one, Prometheus, is supposed to go online next year. That is an interesting name choice, but it is a bit ominous. At least it isn't Skynet. More AI Stocks: Veteran fund manager raises eyebrows with latest Meta Platforms moveGoogle plans major AI shift after Meta's surprising $14 billion moveAnalysts revamp forecast for Nvidia-backed AI stock According to Tom's Hardware, Elon Musk's xAI is buying an overseas power plant and shipping it to the U.S. xAI's new data center is supposed to be powered by one million GPUs and up to 2 Gigawatts of power under one roof, which could power almost 2 million homes. It looks like Zuckerberg needed to top this, so he also announced that Meta is building Hyperion, which will be able to scale up to 5GW over several years. So, I guess that will consume power for about 4.75 million homes. Nice, but why stop there? "We're building multiple more titan clusters as well. Just one of these covers a significant part of the footprint of Manhattan," said Zuckerberg. If this pace continues, Meta should announce a supercomputer covering a Rhode Island-sized area before the end of the year. Related: Oracle CEO sends blunt 2-word message on its business The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
