Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions
45 results for "neanderthal"
Scientists discovered that birch tar created by Neanderthals killed harmful bacteria, suggesting our ancient cousins may have treated wounds with this sticky substance. The finding adds to growing evidence that Neanderthals were far more sophisticated than once believed.
Scientists discovered teeth from eight Neanderthals in Poland's Stajnia Cave, proving Central Europe was a hub for ancient human cousins 100,000 years ago. The DNA findings are rewriting how we understand Neanderthal migration across the continent.
Scientists discovered that Neanderthals spent generations carefully arranging horned animal skulls in a Spanish cave, revealing our ancient relatives had rich cultural traditions that went far beyond survival. This finding rewrites what we thought we knew about Neanderthal society. ##
Scientists discovered that male Neanderthals and female humans formed most ancient relationships, solving a 20-year genetic mystery. The finding reveals how social choices shaped human evolution.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2Fba%2F19%2Fba198be1-54cf-4acb-97bb-f514e6ff8653%2Fjournalpone0343618g001.png)
New research reveals that birch bark tar, crafted by Neanderthals 190,000 years ago, has real antibiotic properties. Scientists recreated ancient methods and found the sticky substance fights common bacteria, suggesting our ancestors may have been the world's first pharmacists.
Scientists have pieced together the genetic story of at least seven Neanderthals who lived together in a Polish cave 100,000 years ago, creating the oldest known snapshot of a prehistoric family. Three of them shared identical DNA, suggesting they were a mother and her children or close maternal relatives.
A Neanderthal in Russia may have drilled their own decayed tooth 59,000 years ago to stop the pain, making it the oldest evidence of dentistry in human history. The discovery suggests our ancient cousins were smarter and braver than we once thought.
Scientists discovered that Neanderthals drilled into an infected tooth 60,000 years ago, making them the first known dentists in history. This ancient procedure happened tens of thousands of years before early humans attempted similar dental work.
Scientists discovered that Neanderthals weren't just hunting for their next meal. Turtle shells found in Germany reveal our ancient relatives were crafty toolmakers with surprisingly sophisticated survival strategies.
Scientists have discovered genetic evidence of a Neanderthal community living together in Poland 100,000 years ago, including what may be close relatives. This rare snapshot shows how our ancient cousins lived as groups across Europe.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F7f%2F7a%2F7f7a0bfe-9c36-4a54-8177-d116b3330552%2Fpic_f26dcc43bc20260326095725.jpg)
Scientists just confirmed that a wooden spear found lodged in ancient elephant ribs proves Neanderthals were skilled big game hunters, settling an 80-year mystery. Fresh analysis of the bones reveals our extinct relatives were far more capable than anyone imagined.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F20%2Fb1%2F20b1125a-9a86-4f98-8bf8-f28c77a64bc7%2Fpexels-karola-g-6627315.jpg)
Scientists discovered a 59,000-year-old tooth that shows Neanderthals deliberately drilled into cavities to relieve pain, pushing back evidence of dentistry by 45,000 years. The patient continued using the tooth for years after the procedure, proving our ancient cousins were far more sophisticated than we thought.
Scientists discovered a 60,000-year-old tooth from Siberia showing evidence that Neanderthals performed dental surgery using stone tools as drills. This rewrites what we thought we knew about ancient medical care and human ingenuity.
A newly excavated cave in Israel reveals that Neanderthals and early humans didn't just cross paths—they shared tools, burial practices, and possibly symbolic rituals. This discovery rewrites our understanding of early human cooperation.
New discoveries at an Israeli cave reveal that Neanderthals and early humans didn't just coexist—they collaborated, shared tools, and even buried their dead together. This groundbreaking find rewrites our understanding of human evolution as a story of cooperation, not competition.
New genetic research reveals that thousands of years ago, modern humans and Neanderthals didn't just share the Earth. They built families together, and those connections still shape who we are today.
New research suggests Neanderthals didn't disappear because they were less intelligent. They vanished because Homo sapiens built stronger, more flexible social networks that helped them survive when climate turned unpredictable.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F67%2F58%2F6758095e-5e03-44bf-9a89-649bb1c14928%2Fpembroke_2024_excavation.jpg)
Archaeologists discovered an untouched treasure trove beneath a medieval Welsh castle that could finally answer how Neanderthals and early humans lived in Britain. The cave still holds mammoth bones, ancient DNA, and clues to one of prehistory's biggest mysteries.
A cave beneath a medieval Welsh castle just revealed evidence of humans, Neanderthals, and hippos dating back 120,000 years. What archaeologists thought was a Victorian dig turned out to be Britain's most important prehistoric site.
Scientists discovered tiny genetic "switches" that shaped human language ability before we split from Neanderthals. These ancient regulators still influence how we learn and use language today.
Showing 20 of 45