Clipmarks | Neanderthal Clips

"Earliest Known Human Had Neanderthal Qualities"

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:59:27 GMT

clipped by: cakebelly
clipper's remarks: http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/22/earliest-human-ethiopia.html

Earliest Known Human Had Neanderthal Qualities

Aug. 22, 2008 -- The world's first known modern human was a tall, thin individual -- probably male -- who lived around 200,000 years ago and resembled present-day Ethiopians, save for one important difference: He retained a few primitive characteristics associated with Neanderthals, according to a series of forthcoming studies conducted by multiple international research teams.

The extraordinary findings, which will soon be outlined in a special issue of the Journal of Human Evolution devoted to the first known Homo sapiens, also reveal information about the material culture of the first known people, their surroundings, possible lifestyle and, perhaps most startling, their probable neighbors -- Homo erectus.

"Omo I," as the researchers refer to the find, would probably have been considered healthy-looking and handsome by today's standards, despite the touch of Neanderthal.

Neanderthals were very capable technicians

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:50:54 GMT

clipped by: amgumen

Clip Source: news.bbc.co.uk

Early stone tools developed by our species Homo sapiens were no more sophisticated than those used by our extinct relatives the Neanderthals.

Neanderthal tools were just as efficient as those made by our ancestors

The findings cast doubt on suggestions that more advanced stone technologies gave modern humans a competitive edge over the Neanderthals.

In some respects, the flakes favoured by Neanderthals were even more efficient than the blades adopted by modern humans.

The Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) appear in the fossil record about 400,000 years ago.

Homo sapiens evolved in Africa, and displaced the Neanderthals after spreading into Europe about 40,000 years ago.

The last known evidence of Neanderthals comes from Gibraltar and is dated to between 28,000 and 24,000 years ago.

Neanderthals (l) were different from our species (r), but not inferior

When we think of Neanderthals, we need to stop thinking in terms of 'stupid' or 'less advanced' and more in terms of 'different'

Neanderthals were as Technologically Advanced as Homo Sapiens

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:25:01 GMT

clipped by: Gul Agha

Clip Source: www.independent.co.uk

Neanderthals were not as stupid as they have been portrayed, according to a study showing their stone tools were just as good as those made by the early ancestors of modern humans, Homo sapiens.

Scientists who spent years learning how to make replicas of the stone instruments used by Neanderthals and Homo sapiens have found the Neanderthal tools were just as efficient as anything made by Stone Age man.

"Our research disputes a major pillar holding up the long-held assumption that Homo sapiens were more advanced than Neanderthals. It is time for archaeologists to start searching for other reasons why Neanderthals became extinct," said Metin Eren, a graduate student at Exeter University.

"Technologically speaking, there is no clear advantage of one tool over the other. When we think of Neanderthals, we need to stop thinking in terms of 'stupid' or 'less advanced' but more in terms of 'different'."

Tags: evolution

Neanderthals Didn't Mate With Modern Humans, Study Says

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:22:30 GMT

clipped by: mugofcoffee

Clip Source: news.nationalgeographic.com

Ker Than
for National Geographic News

Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans likely did not interbreed, according to a new DNA study.

The research further suggests that small population numbers helped do in our closest relatives.

Researchers sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome—genetic information passed down from mothers—of a 38,000-year-old Neanderthal thighbone found in a cave in Croatia. (Get the basics on genetics.)

The new sequence contains 16,565 DNA bases, or "letters," representing 13 genes, making it the longest stretch of Neanderthal DNA ever examined.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is easier to isolate from ancient bones than conventional or "nuclear" DNA—which is contained in cell nuclei—because there are many mitochondria per cell.

the mtDNA genome is much smaller than the nuclear genome,

Neanderthal DNA Sequencing

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 11:25:49 GMT

clipped by: xpersianx

Clip Source: www.jqjacobs.net

In July of 1997 the first ever sequencing of Neanderthal DNA, a breakthrough in the study of modern human evolution, was announced in the Journal Cell (Krings, et. al., 1997). DNA was extracted for the type specimen and the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence was determined. This sequence was compared to living human mtDNA sequences and found to be outside the range of variation in modern humans. Age estimation of the Neanderthal and human divergence is four times older than the age of the common mtDNA ancestor of all living humans. The authors suggest that the Neanderthals went extinct without contribution to the present mtDNA of modern humans.

The Neanderthals inhabited Europe from about 300,000 to 30,000 years ago. Previous hypotheses that Neanderthals were replaced relied on mtDNA study of existing populations. Directly analyzing the remains of the Neanderthal type specimen has affirmed this view.

The researchers removed a sample from the humerous specimen.

Did Neanderthals Share the "Language Gene" with Homo Sapiens?

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:41:33 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver
clipper's remarks: Interesting Read.

Clip Source: www.dailygalaxy.com

In a surprising discovery, scientists believe they have found modern man's language gene in the DNA of the extinct race of Neanderthals, raising the possibility that, contrary to the conventional wisdom, Neanderthals may have whiled away the winter with conversation, gossip and debate.

The language gene is shared with only one other species, Homo Sapiens. If true, the Neanderthals may have had their own distinct culture, customs and history.

Professor Svante Paabo, who has been leading the Neanderthal genome project at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, said the presence of the language gene would change the way people view Neanderthals.

The discovery of the gene, called FOXP2, have provided the strongest evidence yet that these heavily built species were capable of speech, although the researchers are unable to say what extent their linguistic ability would have been.

Tags: evolution, language, neanderthals

Complete Neanderthal Mitochondrial Genome Sequenced From 38,000-year-old Bone

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:54:29 GMT

clipped by: shankargallery
clipper's remarks: complete mitochondrial
> genome of a 38,000-year-old Neanderthal has been sequenced.

Clip Source: www.sciencedaily.com

Complete Neanderthal Mitochondrial Genome Sequenced From 38,000-year-old Bone

ScienceDaily (Aug. 8, 2008) — The complete mitochondrial genome of a 38,000-year-old Neanderthal has been sequenced. The findings open a window into the Neanderthals' past and helps answer lingering questions about our relationship to them.

Tags: neanderthal, dna

"Neanderthal Murder Mystery"

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:32:22 GMT

clipped by: cakebelly

Clip Source: www.disinfo.com

The Neanderthal Murder Mystery

The mystery of what killed off the Neanderthals about 30,000 years ago comes a step closer to being solved with a study suggesting that they formed a tiny population that had been teetering on the brink of extinction.

Neanderthals first appeared in Europe at least 300,000 years ago but they disappeared after the arrival of anatomically modern humans, Homo sapiens, who first arrived in Europe 50,000 years ago. This has led to speculation about whether the Neanderthals interbred with the new arrivals to form a hybrid population that became submerged in the human gene pool, or were instead wiped out by them, either through competition for resources or by violence.

The latest evidence, an analysis of DNA recovered from a 38,000-year-old fossilised thigh bone, suggests the Neanderthals did not interbreed with modern humans but were eradicated by them.

GO TO FULL STORY >>

The Independent reports:

Tags: t

Neanderthal Mysteries

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:31:22 GMT

clipped by: abailart
clipper's remarks: I am less sure they were wiped out as I have seen people who look like this. (Usually wearing suits)

Clip Source: www.independent.co.uk

Clip Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Strands of DNA recovered from the fossilised leg bone of a Neanderthal have shed light on the fragility of the ancient population and pinpointed when they first split from what were to become modern humans. The 38,000-year-old bone was unearthed in a cave in Vindija in Croatia, and has since become part of a landmark project to read the entire genetic sequence of an ancient human ancestor, a feat scientists believe will help reveal how modern humans evolved into the world's dominant species.

Theories of what drove the Neanderthals to extinction range from an inability to adapt to a quickly changing environment, to genocide by early humans. The species is though to have died out in Europe around 30,000 years ago, shortly after the arrival of early humans.

Comparing the Neanderthal genome with the human genetic sequence should highlight subtle genetic differences, such as genes for improved brain capacity and other traits that underpin what it means to be human.

Tags: neanderthal genome

Scientists map Neanderthal maternal DNA

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 07:46:14 GMT

clipped by: pokkets
clipper's remarks: 38,000 years wasn't that long ago. They became extinct shortly afterward (as far as we know) after dwindling around Western Europe. It's easy to wonder what may have happened if they were isolated in an area that was free of Homo sapiens sapiens (So smart that we have to repeat it to ourselves to remove any doubt.)

Clip Source: www.abc.net.au

Jennifer Viegas

DNA extracted from a 38,000-year-old Neanderthal bone has enabled scientists to sequence the complete mitochondrial genome for the human-like species, say scientists.

The remarkable feat, which appears in the journal Cell, has led to at least three major discoveries about the extinct stocky European individuals, representing a breakthrough for studies on the evolution of the human family.

"This is the first complete mitochondrial genome sequence from an extinct hominid,"says lead author Dr Richard Green.

Green, a researcher at the Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany

concluded that the Neanderthal mitochondria falls outside the range of variation found in humans today, offering no evidence that interbreeding occurred

Clearer is the fact that Neanderthals and humans split from a common ancestor around 660,000 years ago.

researchers based this initially upon prior research that determined humans and chimpanzees diverged

six to eight million years ago

THE QUESTION ?

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:20:14 GMT

clipped by: jt3600
clipper's remarks: The question should really be, Can we get a president with some savvy about the world and could put two sentences together ,after all we had 8yrs of "ONE CHILD"who left us all behind . GO TO THE SITE & VOTE, SEE THE RESULTS !

Clip Source: lifehacker.com

How Tech-Savvy Should the President Be?

While Presidential candidate John McCain has openly admitted he's not computer-savvy, to the BlackBerry-toting Barack Obama can often be seen thumbing away on his gadget during downtime. The New York Times reports that the McCain's admission that he's a "Neanderthal" has stirred up fierce criticism amongst bloggers and geeks who want a President who knows what he's doing online. Without getting into a debate about the candidates themselves, how important to you think tech skills are for the Commander in Chief?

Tags: ♠

Neanderthal

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:57:57 GMT

clipped by: aquafresh

Clip Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Meaning: 'Man from the Neander Valley'.

Lived: 230,000-28,000 years ago.

Range: Europe, Central Asia, Middle East.

Diet: Relied heavily on meat.

Size: M: 166cm / 77kg F: 154cm / 66kg.

Brain Size: 12% larger than a modern brain.

Description

Neanderthals were as formidable as the Ice Age environment they lived in.Their short squat physique was an ideal body shape for conserving heat. But despite their small stature, they had big, powerful muscles - a sign of the demanding lifestyle they led.

They looked out at their harsh world from under a bony ridge that arched across their foreheads. Set in the middle of their long faces was a long projecting nose that distanced the delicate tissues of the brain from the frozen Ice Age air.

They were skilled hunters, cooperating together in hunting parties. Neanderthals exploited the natural landscape to surround their quarry and make a kill at close range. This hunting practice left many Neanderthals with painful injuries.

100,000 Years of Sex

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:46:54 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver

Clip Source: weirdandinteresting.blogspot.com

Ancient phalluses, the world's oldest condom, a naked anatomically correct Neanderthal: visitors to the exhibition "100,000 Years of Sex" will find plenty to stimulate their brains -- not to mention other organs.

This particular phallus is 22,000 years old and still going strong

The temporary exhibition, 100 000 Years of Sex, comprises 250 items, mainly archaeological.

They date back to the Stone Age and show how our ancestors experienced lust and procreation, said Mechthild Neyses-Eiden, deputy director of the museum.

The original exhibition includes primitive objects representing feminine charms, explicit pictures on Greek vases, a medieval chastity belt and an 1813 item described as the world's oldest condom.

She said the show illustrated how different historical periods had differing attitudes.

"Things we regard as normal now were regarded as revolting in medieval times," she said. Referring to child sex, she noted that some things allowed among the Greeks were taboo or illegal nowadays.

Tags: sex, history of sex

Who Was Having Sex with Neanderthals 40,000 Years Ago? DNA Tests Reveal

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:17:38 GMT

clipped by: einbar

Clip Source: io9.com

A group of Italian researchers published a new study today in PLoS One comparing the DNA from early human bones from about 28,000 years ago with DNA Neanderthal bones. What's cool about the new study is that the early human bones are quite recently discovered, and therefore very unlikely to have been contaminated by DNA from humans who have handled them.

The researchers sequenced DNA from these bones, testing to see if there was significant overlap with Neanderthal DNA, which would indicate that homo sapiens' DNA had been changed by interbreeding with Neanderthals. Many anthropologists have long believed that the two species interbred because there are a few ancient skulls whose morphology seems to be a perfect blend of human and Neanderthal.

Neanderthals Were High-Tech For Their Era

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 02:31:17 GMT

clipped by: A53GG4

Clip Source: www.livescience.com

Neanderthals Were High-Tech For Their Era

By Jeanna Bryner, Senior Writer

posted: 23 June 2008 05:59 pm ET

Neanderthal tools found in England suggest our early human relatives hunted with blades and spear tips that were pretty sophisticated, rivaling those made by modern humans, a new analysis suggests.

The research, however, has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Neanderthals inhabited the plains of Europe and parts of Asia as far back as 230,000 years ago. They disappeared from the fossil record more than 20,000 years ago, a few thousand years after modern humans appeared on the scene.

Researcher Matthew Pope, an archaeologist at the University College London, and his colleagues examined stone tools from a site first discovered in 1900 during the construction of a monumental house known as Beedings in West Sussex, England.

"The tools

are technologically advanced

and potentially older than tools in Britain belonging to our own species, Homo sapiens," Pope said.

Tags: science