Ancient wooden spears found in Germany may have been wielded by Neanderthals, a new study suggests
The complete spears made of spruce and pine are among the oldest known hunting weapons. They were discovered in a coal mine over two decades ago in the German town of Schöningen along with the remains of nearly 50 horses.
Previous estimates dated the spears to 300,000 years ago so scientists thought the weapons belonged to a group of early humans called Homo heidelbergensis — thought to be the last common ancestor between humans and Neanderthals.
But the new analysis using a different dating technique suggests the spears are younger, placing them about 200,000 years old. The new age means the hunting weapons may have been used by Neanderthals instead, according to research published Friday in the journal Science Advances.
Recent work has suggested that some Neanderthals mixed and mated with early humans. The balanced, well-crafted spears could help scientists understand what Neanderthals were capable of and how they worked together to hunt.
The spears are 'pretty sophisticated for something that old," said study co-author Jarod Hutson with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
But it's not yet clear why the new dating disagrees with previous estimates. Archaeologist Thomas Terberger with the University of Göttingen said more research is needed to be sure of the spears' age and who used them to hunt.
'For the moment, I find the arguments interesting, but not absolutely convincing,' said Terberger, who had no role in the new study.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Yahoo
Largest piece of Mars found on Earth sells for millions, sets new auction record
A 25 kilogram Mars rock named [NWA 16788]( that was discovered in Niger's Sahara Desert by a meteorite hunter in 2023 has exceeded expectations at a recent Sotheby's auction, selling for $5.3 million, the [Associated Press]( (AP) reports. It has set a [new auction record]( for a meteorite. Experts estimated it would sell for between $2 million and $4 million. The buyer's identity is unknown. Their final bid was for $4.3 million, with the final cost totalling an additional $1 million due to 'fees and costs,' AP says. A significant discovery The rock, which was dislodged from Mars following an asteroid strike, travelled 225 million km to reach Earth. 'NWA 16788 is approximately 70 per cent larger than the next largest piece of Mars found on Earth,' reads a statement on the Sotheby's website. 'Pieces of Mars are unbelievably rare: of the more than 77,000 officially recognized meteorites, only 400 are Martian meteorites, with an approximate combined weight of 374 kg. Weighing 24.67 kilograms, NWA 16788 represents approximately 6.5 per cent of all Martian material currently known.' Sotheby's says the meteorite is covered in a reddish-brown crust, giving it an 'unmistakable Martian hue': 'Regmaglypts, or surface depressions formed by frictional heating during rapid descent through Earth's atmosphere, are also visible on the surface of the meteorite. NWA 16788 shows minimal terrestrial weathering, indicating that its physical and chemical makeup have not been significantly altered since its arrival in the Sahara Desert. In other words, NWA 16788 is likely a relative newcomer here on Earth, having fallen from outer space rather recently.' NWA 16788 (pictured here) is approximately 70 per cent larger than the next largest piece of Mars found on Earth. (Sotheby's) How meteorites can help us understand Earth's atmosphere Meteorites like NWA 16788 help scientists better understand the ancient Martian environment, including finding evidence of water or atmosphere in Mars' distant past. "While robotic missions to Mars continue to shed light on the planet's history, the only samples from Mars available for study on Earth are Martian meteorites," Lauren White, a systems engineer at NASA's jet propulsion laboratory said in 2014. Some meteorites also carry clues about Earth's own climate and atmosphere when they're recovered, especially when their chemical interactions with Earth's environment are analyzed. Dinosaur skeleton prompts bidding war The Martian rock wasn't the top seller at the auction. That distinction goes to a rare dinosaur skeleton, which prompted a bidding war, eventually selling for $30 million. The specimen is one of only four known Ceratosaurus nasicornis skeletons, and it is the only known juvenile skeleton. The species resembles the T. Rex, but smaller. RELATED: What is winter like on Mars? Header image: NWA 16788 (Sotheby's)
National Geographic
a day ago
- National Geographic
What is methylene blue and can it really boost your brain power?
The trendy supplement was originally developed as a fabric dye—and later used as a malaria treatment. We asked experts if it really has the cognitive benefits touted on social media. A solution of methylene blue in an erlenmeyer flask. The trending dye was invented by German chemist Heinrich Caro in 1876. Photograph by asikkk, Getty Images If you've spotted someone recently with a blue tongue, that inky stain could actually be the side effect of a new health trend. Biohacking enthusiasts have been using a substance called methylene blue as a daily supplement, sharing videos of their stained tongues on TikTok. Users claim the highly pigmented compound, which was originally developed as a fabric dye before being used for medical purposes, can improve cognitive function, energy levels and mood, and could even prevent Alzheimer's disease. But what do experts have to say? Here's what doctors and researchers say you need to know about potential effects of using methylene blue as a supplement. The history of methylene blue dates back to the late 19th century, when it was synthesized as a textile dye. The trending blue dye was invented in 1876 by German chemist Heinrich Caro. As he was searching for novel dyes for cotton derived from byproducts of the coal industry, one of his experiments accidentally created a vivid blue compound. Methylene blue's chemical structure gives it its signature blue color. 'It absorbs photons of certain wavelengths and the blue photons are the only ones left to be reflected rather than absorbed by the molecule,' explains Dr Roger Rothenberg, assistant professor of clinical medicine at Temple University Hospital's Lewis Katz School of Medicine. In other words, it absorbs all the colors that make up the rainbow spectrum apart from blue, which is reflected back to our eyes, making it appear blue. A decade after Caro's accidental invention, another German scientist, Paul Ehrlich, discovered during an experiment that the organic compound turned parasite cells blue under a microscope. One of the dye's most famous uses is identifying malaria cells and it was later administered in Germany, France and the UK as a treatment for the illness. (To fight malaria, scientists want to poison mosquitoes—with human blood.) 'There was some efficacy for its use in malaria,' Rothenberg says, 'but not as much as the standard treatment for malaria at the time [quinine], so it fell out of favor for that purpose.' What is methylene blue used for? Nowadays, the treatment of methemoglobinemia is methylene blue's only FDA-approved use. Methemoglobinemia is a disorder in which red blood cells can't adequately deliver oxygen to the mitochondria, where it's needed for energy production, leading to symptoms including fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath. In serious cases, it can be life-threatening. Methylene blue is also still used as a stain in surgical or diagnostic procedures. Physicians have used the compound to help visualize the urinary tract or lymph nodes in colorectal cancer. Methylene blue may be given intravenously for the treatment of methemoglobinemia, a disorder that reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Photograph by James Mutter, Gett Images Initially, methylene blue was initially used for dying textiles. As it turns out, methylene blue is also excellent for dying cell nuclei and cytoplasm, as well as nerve fibers such as the motor neuron above. Micrograph by Ed Reschke, Getty Images Raphael E. Cuomo, scientist and professor at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, says that as a supplement taken in low doses, methylene blue 'has the potential to enhance mood and energy, and possibly cognitive function, because it inhibits monamine oxidase and also has benefits on mitochondrial activity.' Monamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme which breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Allowing these feel-good chemicals to flow freely in theory creates a mood boost, while aiding the delivery of oxygen to mitochondria—the 'powerhouses' of cells, can result in more energy. (How to get high on your own hormones—naturally.) However, evidence for these effects in humans is limited, Rothenberg says. 'This is based entirely in theory, from studies on isolated tissue cultures and rats. There are maybe four to six randomized studies in human beings on this general cognition indication. That seems to be the reason people are taking it as a supplement.' For example, a 2021 study of 248 elderly adults found methylene blue administered intravenously significantly reduced postoperative cognitive disorders. Claims that methylene blue can alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease may be more reasonable, Rothenberg believes. 'The few human studies were done on Alzheimer's patients. There was a statistically significant, though very small, effect of methylene blue in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, showing five points [of improvement] on a 70-point scale,' says Bronwyn Holmes. Holmes specializes in regenerative and longevity medicine and says the results should be interpreted with caution. 'A man and a woman who have Alzheimer's, or any neurological disease, they metabolize methylene blue differently, so [the effect may be] very different depending on the patient,' says Holmes. What experts say about oral methylene blue Physicians are seeing the trend of methylene blue used as a supplement skyrocket, thanks in part to viral videos across social media. TikTok specifically is flooded with videos in which users rave about the latest nootropic, meaning a supplement with cognitive benefits. Holmes, who is on the Medical Advisory Board at healthcare provider Eden Health, says she first had patients asking her about the 'neurological benefits' of methylene blue around three years ago. Some experts are skeptical about off-label use of methylene blue as a brain booster. 'Never has a patient come to me with perimenopausal or post-menopausal brain fog, taken methylene blue, and all of a sudden the brain fog has declined,' says Holmes. Rothenberg suggests, 'it's very hard to really prove or disprove these claims when you have individuals taking it rather than a well-controlled, well-designed scientific study.' Due to its vibrant color, methylene blue can also turn human waste products blue or green – a harmless but potentially alarming side effect – and cause teeth staining. 'I had to work with the dentist once because a patient had taken so much meth blue,' Holmes adds. Methylene blue's impact on your health Beyond cosmetic concerns, doctors warn there are a number of health risks associated with consuming methylene blue as a supplement. The most serious is serotonin syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition which can occur if it is taken in conjunction with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are widely used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. (What's the right way to wean off antidepressants?) 'If you're on an SSRI, it interacts with methylene blue and compounds the drug's effects,' Holmes explains, causing symptoms of anxiety, fast heart rate, sweating, and tremors. In severe cases, the surge of serotonin can lead to seizures, irregular heartbeat, fever, hallucinations, or loss of consciousness. A 2013 study shows that those with a G6PD deficiency—people missing a key enzyme that protects red blood cells from damage—should avoid methylene blue as it can trigger hemolytic anemia, which is a condition where red blood cells break down rapidly. Less serious side effects can include headache, dizziness, and nausea, while 'at extremely high doses, paradoxically, we see that methylene blue can be causative of methemoglobinemia, which is the very indication it has been approved to treat,' Cuomo says. 'The concern is that people are taking methylene blue as liquid drops, so it is very easy to overdose.' (Why supplements may hurt your health more than help.) If you're concerned about your cognitive health, experts recommend addressing other nutrition and lifestyle factors rather than doing any DIY dosing. 'Unless you really want to turn your toilet bowl blue, there is no compelling reason to take it outside of an indicated medical setting,' says Rothenberg. 'Nootropics that we know absolutely are effective are caffeine, exercise, and appropriate sleep. The latter two specifically are what I would recommend to anyone who wants to boost their cognition.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Did Neanderthals have 'family recipes'? Study suggests butchery practices in ancient groups
Their meticulous examination of cut-marks on the remains of animal prey revealed patterns that cannot be explained by differences in skill, resources, or available tools at each site. New research into the butchery practices of Neanderthals living in two nearby caves in northern Israel between 50,000 and 60,000 years ago suggests surprisingly distinct food preparation methods, hinting at the possibility of early cultural traditions being passed down through generations. Despite living only 70 kilometers apart and utilizing the same tools and prey, the Neanderthals of Amud and Kebara caves appear to have processed their food in visibly different ways, according to a study led by Anaëlle Jallon from the Institute ofArchaeology at Hebrew University. The study, published in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology, involved collaboration with colleagues Lucille Crete and Silvia Bello from the Natural History Museum of London, under the supervision of Hebrew University's Prof. Rivka Rabinovich and Prof. Erella Hovers. Their meticulous examination of cut-marks on the remains of animal prey revealed patterns that cannot be explained by differences in skill, resources, or available tools at each site. 'The subtle differences in cut-mark patterns between Amud and Kebara may reflect local traditions of animal carcass processing,' stated Anaëlle Jallon, a PhD candidate at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the lead author. She added, 'Even though Neanderthals at these two sites shared similar living conditions and faced comparable challenges, they seem to have developed distinct butchery strategies, possibly passed down through social learning and cultural traditions." Were Neanderthal butchery techniques were standardized Jallon emphasized the unique opportunity these two sites present: 'These two sites give us a unique opportunity to explore whether Neanderthal butchery techniques were standardized. If butchery techniques varied between sites or time periods, this would imply that factors such as cultural traditions, cooking preferences, or social organization influenced even subsistence-related activities such as butchering.' Both Amud and Kebara caves were occupied by Neanderthals during the winters, leaving behind not just food remains but also burials, stone tools, and hearths. The two groups relied on similar diets, predominantly gazelles and fallow deer, and used identical flint tools. However, subtle distinctions emerged from the archaeological record. Neanderthals at Kebara appear to have hunted more large prey and more frequently transported large kills back to the cave for butchering, rather than processing them at the kill site. Further differences in bone remains provided clues: at Amud, 40% of the animal bones were burned and highly fragmented, potentially due to cooking or post-depositional damage. In contrast, only 9% of the bones at Kebara were burned, less fragmented, and believed to have been cooked. Additionally, bones from Amud showed less evidence of carnivore damage compared to those found at Kebara. To investigate these variations in food preparation, the research team meticulously examined cut-marked bones from contemporaneous layers at both sites, using both macroscopic and microscopic analysis. They recorded various characteristics of the cut-marks, hypothesizing that similar patterns would suggest consistent butchery practices, while differing patterns would point to distinct cultural traditions. The analysis revealed that while the cut-marks were clear, intact, and largely unaffected by later damage, and their profiles, angles, and surface widths were similar (likely due to the shared toolkits), the cut-marks at Amud were more densely packed and less linear in shape than those at Kebara. The researchers explored several hypotheses for these observed patterns. They ruled out explanations based on different prey species or bone types, as the differences persisted even when comparing only the long bones of small ungulates found at both sites. Experimental archaeology also indicated that the variations couldn't be attributed to less skilled butchers or more intensive butchering to maximize food yield. Instead, the evidence strongly suggested that the differing cut-mark patterns were a result of deliberate butchery choices made by each Neanderthal group. One compelling explanation proposed by the researchers is that the Amud Neanderthals might have been pre-treating their meat before butchering. This could involve drying the meat or allowing it to decompose, similar to how modern butchers hang meat. Decaying meat is known to be more challenging to process, which would explain the greater intensity and less linear nature of the cut-marks observed at Amud. Another possibility is that differences in group organization, such as the number of individuals involved in butchering a single kill, played a role. However, further research is needed to fully explore these intriguing possibilities. "There are some limitations to consider,' Jallon acknowledged. 'The bone fragments are sometimes too small to provide a complete picture of the butchery marks left on the carcass. While we have made efforts to correct for biases caused by fragmentation, this may limit our ability to fully interpret the data." She concluded, "Future studies, including more experimental work and comparative analyses, will be crucial for addressing these uncertainties — and maybe one day reconstructing Neanderthals' recipes.' Solve the daily Crossword
