Latest science news in Paleontology & Archaeology
Lunar Eclipse Gives Skywatchers a Rare Treat
3 1/2 Hour Celestial Spectacle Seen from North, Central America by Those Under Clear Skies
Neanderthals fashioned earliest tool from human bone
The earliest known tool made from human bone has been discovered — and it was apparently crafted by Neanderthals, scientists find.
Across 160 years, Darwin speaks: Letter sheds light on murky part of the naturalist's life
While in Houghton Library, sorting through stacks of old manuscripts and letters from the great naturalist Charles Darwin, history of science graduate student Myrna Perez and lecturer Alistair Sponsel stumbled...
Video: 2,400-Year-Old Chinese Soup
While excavating an ancient tomb for the expansion of an airport near Xi'an, an archaeological team discovered a sealed bronze tripod vessel that contained liquid and animal bones.
Video: Head Identified as France's King Henry IV
Despite a lack of verifiable DNA evidence, scientists were still able to confirm that a head found in an attic belonged to one of France's most beloved kings, Henry IV.
2-million-year-old 'mummy trees' reveal harsh climate
When rangers came across mummified wood uncovered by a melting glacier in the northernmost Arctic reaches of Canada, they had no idea they were staring at an ancient forest dating...
Egyptian Statue Fragments Unearthed
Egyptian scientists have uncovered two granite statue fragments from the mortuary temple of King Amenhotep III.
Feast, famine and the genetics of obesity: You can't have it both ways
In addition to fast food, desk jobs, and inertia, there is one more thing to blame for unwanted pounds-our genome, which has apparently not caught up with the fact that...
Amazonians of 1911: Lost images of 'human exhibits' in Britian discovered
A researcher has found old photographs of Amazonians brought to London by Roger Casement as "living curiosities."
Students go Dada over project
In one painting, the black outline of a half–hidden, skirted figure crosses the pink line of a stage as an audience member looks on. Nearby, a series of ghostly, skeletal X-rays hang...
Ye olde information overload
Information overload isn’t solely a Google-era dilemma. Before digital technology existed, scholars beat their desks in frustration over information overload, too, according to Ann Blair. In her book, “Too Much to Know: Managing...
Unraveling the Reconstruction
Between the American novels “Miss Ravenel’s Conversion from Secession to Loyalty” and “The Red Badge of Courage” lies … not much. To Amanda Claybaugh, that’s a mystery that needs unraveling. After all, it...
Treasure trove of medieval manuscripts published
The largest surviving family-owned library of medieval manuscripts in Britain can now be enjoyed by everyone thanks to the publication of a new book telling its fascinating story.
Fatal floods in Africa
When natural disasters claim human lives, it's important to determine whether the problem is geophysical or cultural. A new study shows that the large upswing in flood deaths in Africa...
Experts: Ancient Mexicans crossbred wolf-dogs
(AP) -- Mexican researchers said Wednesday they have identified jaw bones found in the pre-Hispanic ruins of Teotihuacan as those of wolf-dogs that were apparently crossbred as a symbol...
Cosmic Log: How art brings dinosaurs to life
Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: A book titled "The Artist and the Scientists" shows how fragmented fossils are transformed into beautiful views of long-extinct species.
Submerging your feet in alcohol will not get you drunk
New research explodes the Danish myth that it is possible to get drunk by submerging your feet in alcohol.
2008 Nubian Asteroid - Parts Of An Unknown Celestial Body
An asteroid the size of a Volvo exploded over Sudan's Nubian Desert in 2008 and initial research was focused on classifying the meteorite fragments soon after they were strewn across...
Mystery bird: Green-winged teal, Anas carolinensis
This North American mystery bird forms a superspecies with its close relatives in Europe and in South AmericaGreen-winged teal, Anas carolinensis, photographed at Arthur Storey Park, Houston, Texas, USA. Image: Joseph Kennedy, 12...
Michael Samuels obituary
Philologist and co-writer of the historical thesaurus of the OEDIf imagination and perseverance are the hallmarks of a great scholar, Michael Samuels, who has died at the age of 90, richly deserved that...
Indigenous knowledge degree combines arts and sciences
South African universities are set to offer a new wide-ranging Bachelor's degree that will tackle all aspects of indigenous knowledge systems.
Tackling the erosion of a special river island
Locke Island is a small island in a bend of the Columbia River in eastern Washington that plays a special role in the culture of the local Indian tribes. Since...
Scientist says he found Japan fish thought extinct
A Japanese salmon species thought to be extinct for 70 years is alive and well in a lake near Mount Fuji, a science professor said Wednesday.
Fabric softener sheets repel gnats
MANHATTAN, KS -- For years, gardeners have claimed that putting Bounce® fabric softener sheets in their pockets is an effective way to repel pests like mosquitoes and gnats. Any...
Fish talks bring in tough quotas
Scottish fishermen face deep cuts in quotas for some catches after all-night talks in Brussels.
Mercosur discord eased by Paraguay deal on Venezuela
ASUNCION, Paraguay, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Latin America's Mercosur trade pact is going through a rare period of constructive cordiality.
The graveyard of giant icebergs
Scientists study the impact of colossal icebergs on the marine environment around South Georgia in the South Atlantic.
Gassy volcanoes tied to mass extinction
Chemicals from Siberian eruption may have triggered history's greatest catastrophe