Category Archives: Science

When did we become Human?

The exploration of what it means to be human reveals a complex evolution marked by gradual adaptations rather than a singular event. Key milestones include bipedalism that freed our hands, the development of tool making, and the mastery of fire, which enhanced cognitive growth. Symbolic thinking is evidenced through art and social structures, not only in Homo sapiens but also in Neanderthals. Our humanity is shaped through ongoing innovation and connections, continually influenced by discoveries that deepen our understanding of our shared past.

Exploring the Untapped Potential of West African Paleoanthropology

When we think about the origins of humankind, our minds often travel to the iconic sites of East and South Africa. Places like the Great Rift Valley, Olduvai Gorge, and Sterkfontein have given us the majority of our understanding of early hominins—those distant ancestors who walked the Earth millions of years ago. But what ifContinue reading “Exploring the Untapped Potential of West African Paleoanthropology”

Snake Detection Theory: Did Snakes Play a Role in Primate Evolution?

Just like primates, snakes are one of the most unique vertebrates on the planet. They have evolved to adapt for various environmental conditions, occupying various niches across ecosystems, across the entire world. Ophidiophobia, the psychological fear of snakes, is one of the most common fears that humans seem to innately develop, often without ever encounteringContinue reading “Snake Detection Theory: Did Snakes Play a Role in Primate Evolution?”

Hominin Homes

Did other species of humans, in addition to Homo sapiens, have shelters or some other form of artificial structure to make life more comfortable? If so, what can this tell us about different human species’ adaptability and suitability to cold climates? One possible way to recognize campsites is through the presence of fire. A newContinue reading “Hominin Homes”

A new way of Analyzing Cave Art, Hominins in Europe, and Massive Hand Axes in Kent!

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-t4596-148e348 Learn about:  1.  How changing the way we look at rock art reveals so much more: https://phys.org/news/2023-08-topographical-elements-paleolithic-art-revealed.html2. Hominins Evolved in Europe?: https://phys.org/news/2023-08-ancient-ape-trkiye-story-human.html3. Massive 300,000-year-old Hand Axes Found in Kent: https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-discover-300000-year-old-giant-handaxe-in-rare-ice-age-site/

Cold Snap in Europe Brought an End to Ancient Humans, Inter-Glacial Passage in the Americas, and Genetics and Peptides in Neanderthals and Denisovans!

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-5ewyh-1484822 On this week’s episode, we discuss the following topics: 1. https://www.sci.news/othersciences/anthropology/paleoanthropology/early-pleistocene-extreme-glacial-cooling-12170.html2. https://www.sci.news/medicine/neanderthal-denisovan-antimicrobial-peptides-12187.html3. https://www.sci.news/medicine/neanderthal-denisovan-antimicrobial-peptides-12187.htm

New Human Lineages and Ancient Burials

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-7bupp-147b169 Join Paleoanthropologist and Rock Art researcher Genevieve von Petzinger and Founder and Science Communicator Anthropologist Seth Chagi as they tackle some of the week’s most interesting topics, taking a deep dive and explaining to you why these stories make our headlines! 

Ancient Settlements in Oregon, Hominin Cannibalism, and Drones finding Rock Art!

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-i5aah-1469bcd On this episode, and not in this order, join Genevieve and Seth as they discuss some of the newest stories in the field. Learn about new Rock Art discovered in Spain by Drones!, Deep inside ravines on high cliffs, hear about possible cannibalism and cut marks on a nearly 1.6 million-year-old hominin partial tibiaContinue reading “Ancient Settlements in Oregon, Hominin Cannibalism, and Drones finding Rock Art!”

Paleo Post Episode One – 2 Million Year Old Proteomics, Viking Disease, and Giant Sloth Pendants!

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-4bqa4-1464c31 Go back in time with us as we discover how Neanderthal genetics are still affecting us today and how we now have further evidence of Human activity in South America much earlier than we thought, thanks to some recent discoveries. Finally, we also discuss the amazing science being done with Paranthropus dentition!  Please sendContinue reading “Paleo Post Episode One – 2 Million Year Old Proteomics, Viking Disease, and Giant Sloth Pendants!”