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History
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We are makers of history, yet we are also molded by it. The line connecting us to our ancestors spans decades, centuries, and millennia; the lessons learned from our progenitors are passed down the generations through timeless stories and discovered remnants of our enigmatic yet beautiful past. Modern Sciences recounts the passage of time, how humanity has shaped it, and how it has shaped humanity.
This stone tool is over 1 million years old. How did its maker get to Sulawesi without a boat?
A stone tool from 1.04 million year ago. M.W. Moore/University of New England Adam Brumm, Griffith University; Basran…
The 100-Year-Old Math Feud That Invented The Future
Find out how a bitter 100-year-old feud between two Russian mathematicians unexpectedly led to the creation of a mathematical tool that now powers everything from nuclear physics and Google Search to modern artificial intelligence.
Study: Early hominin males much larger than females
New research, utilizing a novel statistical method, reveals that males of the early hominin species Australopithecus were significantly larger than females, suggesting intense male competition among our ancient ancestors.
Precious finger traces from First Nations ancestors revealed in a glittering mountain cave in Australia
Mal and Dylan Siely examine finger grooves at Waribruk with GunaiKurnai Elder Uncle Russell Mullett. Photo by Jess…
AI helps solve Papua New Guinean genetic origin mystery
A new study finds the unique genetics of Papua New Guineans stem from a population bottleneck, not a separate 'Out of Africa' migration.
The Physics That Defines Musical Harmony
The familiar harmony of a major chord isn't a cultural accident, but a direct result of the laws of physics that govern how the invisible overtones within a sound wave interact.
Big Roman shoes discovered near Hadrian’s Wall – but they don’t necessarily mean big Roman feet
Tim Penn, University of Reading Excavations at the Roman fort of Magna near Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland in…
Ötzi’s ribcage reframes modern human evolution story
New 3D models of prehistoric ribs reveal that early human bodies varied significantly, with stockier builds in colder climates and slender ones in warmer regions.
Greek and Roman nymphs weren’t just sexy nature spirits. They had other important jobs too
Acteon, having accidentally seen the goddess Diana and her nymphs bathing, begins to change into a stag. Metropolitan…
Neanderthal gene variant linked to reduced athletic performance in modern humans
A gene variant inherited from Neanderthals produces a less efficient muscle enzyme, which may explain why some modern humans are less likely to become top-level athletes.