Science

Explore groundbreaking discoveries and research across physics, biology, chemistry, and more. Science on CurioAtlas makes complex ideas accessible and sparks curiosity about the world around us.

Male skulls at Shimao gate rewrite story of Neolithic human sacrifice

A new study published in Nature on November 26 has shed light on the origins, population structures, and kinship systems of the people of Shimao—one of China’s most significant late Neolithic settlements. Analyses of ancient DNA from individuals who inhabited…

A strange ancient foot reveals a hidden human cousin

Researchers have finally assigned a strange 3.4-million-year-old foot to Australopithecus deyiremeda, confirming that Lucy’s species wasn’t alone in ancient Ethiopia. This hominin had an opposable big toe for climbing but still walked upright in a distinct style. Isotope tests show…