Extracting Ancient Dental DNA: Just Like Pulling Teeth
by Dr. Anne Stone, Arizona State University Photo: David Bygott BY-NC-SA 2.0
How hard can it be to extract DNA from the teeth of chimpanzees that died only 30 or 40 years ago? These were my initial thoughts when presented with the opportunity to examine the DNA of the most famous chimpanzees in the world. These individuals, studied by Dr.
Skullduggery: Is the Identity of the Piltdown Forger and His Methods Close to Full Exposure?
By Dr. Jerry Drawhorn
This year, and 60 years since the last extensive analysis of the remains led to the discovery that the Piltdown skull was a fraud, a team of over 15 analysts – including experts in ancient DNA, radiocarbon dating and isotope studies – have been assembled by Chris Stringer of the Natural History Museum in London
Culture: the Engine of Human Adaptation
Humans can rapidly adapt to much wider range of circumstances than any other creature.
The Adaptive Value of Happiness
Since Darwin, some scientists have believed that the uniquely human ability to make and enjoy complex music facilitated successful courtship in our ancestors.
The Roots of Human Aggression
Humans are more often at peace than at war; we cooperate more than we conflict. In fact, there is mounting evidence that cooperation may be acentral facet in explaining our success as a species.