Blind mole rats could be a real eye-opener for evolutionary science. According to a new study, the burrowing rodents are key to answering a controversial question about how new species arise – although not everyone is convinced. Image: Eviatar Nevo
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Talk about exploring your roots. Longer lifespans mean our adult teeth erupt later than they did in our early ancestors, but the memo didn’t make it to the roots of our molars. They develop at the same pace as they did in Homo erectus. The finding may have implications for our understanding of the famous hominin’s diet. Image: ☺ Lee J Haywood
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In The Universe Within, evolutionary biologist Neil Shubin shares the findings of some of the great scientific specialists. But he also explains how a generalist’s appreciation of their work is still possible, simply by looking inside the human body. Within each of us is a multitude of memory aids that, when read correctly, help to tell the stories of our species, planet and universe. Image: Trodel
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Move over Africa. It is where humanity began, where we took our first steps and grew big brains. But those interested in the latest cool stuff on the origins of our species should look to Asia instead. Why so? It looks as if some early chapters in the human story, and significant chunks of its later ones too, took place under Asian skies. Image: Tadias Magazine
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Even ancient cities knew about rebranding. Troy was destroyed by war about 3200 years ago – an event that may have inspired Homer to write the Iliad, 400 years later. But a geochemical analysis of pottery from the famous city suggests it rose again, reinventing itself to fit a new political landscape. Image: quantumlars
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