Neanderthals, like modern humans, used feathers as personal ornaments, according to a new analysis of data on bird remains from archaeological sites across Eurasia. Cut marks on the wing bones, which do not carry any meat, suggest that the long wing feathers were desired. Dark plumage was probably preferred, since the bones of ravens, crows, […]

Improved estimates of the mutation rates of DNA are aligning the genetic timeline with archaeological evidence. The new slower genetic clock would push the exodus of modern humans out of Africa back to 120,000 years ago, and into agreement with the dates of archaeological sites in the Middle East. It could also, however, complicate the fossil […]