Tag Archives: bone

New Bone Cancer Treatment Shows Unexpected Reduction in Tumor Pain

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Nanomedicine Concept Art

Artist’s Impression of Nanomedicine in Action

Alfred Pasieka/Science Photo Library

Cancer that metastasizes to the bones can be both deadly and painful. A new innovative drug is showing promise in addressing these issues by disrupting the interaction between tumors and nerves. This groundbreaking approach may lead to a much more comfortable cancer treatment journey.

According to William Fan from Harvard University, who was not part of the study, “This highlights a new and exciting paradigm in which a single cancer treatment can simultaneously improve mortality and quality of life.”

Research indicates that 65-80% of individuals with breast or prostate cancer ultimately develop bone cancer when the disease spreads. As these tumors progress, they irritate nearby pain-sensing nerves.

Standard treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy are commonly utilized to shrink bone tumors. However, pain may still persist due to residual cancer cells interacting with nerves. Furthermore, conventional methods can harm healthy tissues and often require long-term use of painkillers, like opioids, risking addiction, as noted by Xian Jia Asia at Zhejiang University in China.

In response, Xian and colleagues have introduced a revolutionary “nanotherapy” comprising tiny fat capsules loaded with DNA that encodes gasdermin B, a protein designed to kill cancer cells selectively. This therapy targets cancer cells while sparing healthy ones, utilizing the characteristic higher levels of reactive oxygen species found in tumor cells. The nanocapsules additionally contain OPSA, which enhances the body’s inherent anti-cancer immune response.

To evaluate the efficacy of this novel drug, researchers injected breast cancer cells into the legs of various mice. Once bone tumors formed, the mice received either the full nanotherapy, a simpler version containing OPSA but lacking the gasdermin B gene, or a saline control. Treatments were administered into the tail every other day over five days.

After two weeks, tumors in the full nanotherapy group were on average 94% smaller than those in the control group, while the simpler form resulted in a 50% reduction. Furthermore, all mice treated with the complete nanotherapy survived, in contrast to merely 60% of those receiving the simpler therapy and 20% in the control group. This treatment effectively killed tumor cells and induced an anti-tumor immune response, Xiang reported.

Interestingly, both forms of the nanotherapy improved mobility in the affected limbs significantly more than the control, particularly in the full nanotherapy group, indicating potential pain relief from bone tumors. Tumor samples revealed a noticeable decrease in the density of nerve cells within the cancerous growths.

The mechanism appears to involve enhancing the cancer cells’ ability to absorb calcium ions, essential for nerve growth and pain signal transmission. “The concept is that cancer cells act like sponges for local calcium, reducing the availability of calcium for sensory neurons,” explains Professor Huang. Further studies are necessary to establish how nanotherapy adjusts calcium uptake in cancer cells, which may expose new avenues for targeting this critical pathway.

In preliminary findings, it was observed that nerves surrounding tumors could facilitate their growth, suggesting that nerve-related mechanisms could not only alleviate pain but also inhibit tumor proliferation, although specific impacts remain uncertain, according to Xiang.

These findings bolster the emerging perspective that targeting the nervous system may transform cancer treatment paradigms, states Huang. However, translating these treatments from mice to humans remains challenging due to differences in immune responses. Xiang aspires to initiate human clinical trials within five to ten years.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Alex Garland’s ‘The Bone Temple’ Review: A Brutal and Surprising Sequel to ’28 Days Later’

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Explore science news and in-depth articles on technology, health, and environment with New Scientist.

Ralph Fiennes’ Role in “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple”

Sony Pictures

It’s hard to overstate the impact of 28 Days Later. This groundbreaking 2002 film features Jim the Courier (Cillian Murphy), who awakens from a coma to find Britain devastated by an “angry virus,” a precursor to the past two decades of zombie media. The film serves as a stark reflection of societal decay and chaos.

A new trilogy could have easily followed the original formula, but in 2025, 28 Years Later shatters that mold. Set decades after the initial outbreak, this film revitalizes the series by focusing on Spike (Alfie Williams), a young boy navigating life on a virus-free island amid the ruins of Britain. His journey introduces new species of the infected and intelligent ‘alphas’ like Samson (Chee-Lewis Parry), who exhibit strategic thinking.

The second installment, Bone Temple, written by Alex Garland and directed by Nia DaCosta, shifts its focus to “the Jimmys,” a gang of youth captivated by bloodsports rather than the infected. These characters are stripped of their identities, led by the enigmatic Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell), who dubs them all “Fingers.”

As the story unfolds, the Jimmy family’s troubling regression poses a menace to Spike as well. The harrowing first scene of Bone Temple sees Spike fighting for survival against Jimmy, marking a pivotal moment where an uninfected individual is killed, initially highlighting a crucial distinction.

This film challenges our understanding of the infected. We meet Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), a retired physician and Spike’s ally, who attempts to understand these new beings. He once used morphine to subdue Samson but finds the alpha craves the drug, establishing a reluctant bond between them.

Through shared experiences, Kelson—an anthropologist at heart—investigates the cultural remnants of humanity by creating monuments and reclaiming narratives from desolate towns. His quest prompts profound questions about the consciousness of the infected. “What if you could speak?” he muses. “Do you have memories? Are you evolving?”

As Bone Temple invites us to reconsider the nature of evolution, we ponder whether beings like Samson symbolize a new paradigm. Are they regaining their humanity or transitioning into something uniquely different? As the story progresses, we ask if a cure is possible for these once-infected beings, and whether the lines between human and infected remain clear after decades.

Kelson’s psychological exploration yields unexpected revelations. Upon encountering Jimmy and his gang, he discovers a potential path to healing for the remnants of humanity—infected or otherwise. The profound message of this riveting film is that our understanding of the infected must evolve. As we follow Spike’s journey through this dystopian world, it begs the question: could the infected become humanity’s saviors? With the trilogy’s finale on the horizon, anticipation builds for what lies ahead.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient Mammoth Bone Dwelling Uncovered in Ukraine: 18,000-Year-Old Circular Structure

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The Upper Paleolithic site of Mezilich in Cherkasy Oblast, central Ukraine, features four remarkable mammoth bone structures, each ranging from 12 to 24 m2. These extensive constructions were meticulously crafted using hundreds of mammoth bones and tusks. Recent analyses of small mammal remains excavated directly from these archaeological formations indicate that one of these structures was in use for nearly 429 years, underscoring its role as a potential dwelling.

MBS 4 being excavated at the Upper Paleolithic site of Mezilich, Cherkasy Oblast, Ukraine. Image credit: Chu et al., doi: 10.12688/openreseurope.20112.1.

“Open-air Upper Paleolithic sites in east-central Europe, such as Mezilich, offer invaluable insights into human activities and biogeography during the Late Holistic Age—a period marked by significant environmental shifts,” stated Wei Chu, an archaeologist from Leiden University, and collaborators.

“These sites often exhibit deep loess sediment layers rich in lithic tools, faunal remains, and bone assemblages, serving as crucial environmental proxies for illuminating contemporary ecological conditions.”

“Notably, some of these locations have been discovered in direct association with mammoth bone deposits, representing some of the earliest known constructions showcasing both spatial and seasonal organization.”

“While many of these structures were historically viewed as domestic remnants,” they elaborated, “ongoing excavations have reignited debates about their primary functions—whether as dwellings or perhaps as ritualistic tombs, food storage areas, burial sites, religious landmarks, or primitive monuments.”

“Mezilich, situated in the mid reaches of the Dnieper River, is pivotal to this discourse due to its extraordinary conservation state, featuring four mammoth bone structures (MBS 1-4) that span heights of 12 to 24 m2 in diameter.

“These structures are complemented by surrounding features like artifact-filled pits, hunting tools, ivory, bone ornaments, and segmented areas rich in slaughtered animal remains and workshops with dense cultural deposits, each aligned around mammoth bone structures, revealing economic settlement units.”

In their latest study, the researchers scrutinized the dating and composition of MBS 4—the only Mezilich structure containing artifacts that can be directly dated within the archaeological layer.

By analyzing small mammal remains rather than mammoth bones, they established a more accurate age for MBS 4, estimated to be between approximately 18,248 and 17,764 years old.

Crucially, the findings indicate that this structure was actively occupied for 429 years.

These results suggest that Mezilich was a stable, long-term settlement rather than a transient camp used intermittently.

The structure likely served as a residence for multiple generations, enduring and being reused throughout the centuries.

“MBS 4 corresponds with the harshest conditions of the last Ice Age,” the researchers noted.

“Interestingly, the period of occupation appears brief—potentially comprising only a few visits over many centuries.”

“This implies that these mammoth bone shelters were practical solutions for survival, rather than established permanent settlements.”

“Why is this significant? Beyond the remarkable ingenuity of utilizing mammoth bones for construction, these findings alter our perspective on human resilience and adaptability,” they remarked.

“They illustrate how communities thrived even in extreme environments, transforming large animal remains into protective architecture.”

“As dating techniques improve, sites like Mezilich continuously challenge our preconceived notions about prehistoric existence,” they concluded.

“These societies were dynamic, resource-abundant, and deeply interconnected with their environments, and their lessons are relevant even today.”

For further insights, refer to the team’s published paper in Open Research Europe.

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W. Chu et al. 2025. Revised radiocarbon chronology of bone structures and related features of mammoths from Mezilich, Ukraine. Open Res Europe 5:198; doi: 10.12688/openreseurope.20112.1

Source: www.sci.news

Arizona’s Unique Bone Bed Uncovers North America’s Earliest Known Pterosaurs

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Paleontologists have uncovered the fossilized jawbone of a newly identified pterosaur species, along with a multitude of fossils, including one of the world’s oldest turtles, in a secluded bone bed located within Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, USA.

Artist Reconstruction of Eotephradactylus chintireae, along with other animals and plants preserved in the bone beds of Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, USA. Image credit: Brian Eng.

The newly discovered pterosaur species, Eotephradactylus chintireae, existed in what is now Arizona during the late Triassic period, approximately 209 million years ago.

“The winged reptile was small enough to comfortably perch on a person’s shoulder,” stated Dr. Ben Krigman from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History.

“One of the most exciting aspects of this discovery was that the teeth remained intact in the bones, making the identification of these animals significantly easier,” added Suzanne McIntier, a volunteer preparer who dedicated 18 years at Fossil Lab at the National Museum of Natural History.

“The teeth-filled jaws provided crucial insights into the lifestyle of the earliest pterosaurs.”

“The worn tips of the teeth suggest a high likelihood that they consumed armored fish and other prey,” she explained.

Eotephradactylus chintireae coexisted with large amphibians, armored crocodile ancestors, frogs, and turtles.

In addition to this flying reptile, paleontologists have found over 1,200 individual fossils, which include bones, teeth, fish scales, and coprolites.

“This collection represents 16 different vertebrate groups that previously inhabited diverse ecosystems,” they noted.

“The braided rivers in this region were teeming with fish, such as freshwater sharks, coelacanths, and ancient amphibians.

The surrounding environment was also home to some of the formidable reptiles that evolved during the early Triassic, including giant alligator-like armored herbivores and predatory creatures.”

The newly identified bone bed is part of the Upper Sinru Formation in Petrified Forest National Park.

“This area of northeastern Arizona was situated in the heart of Pangaea on the supercontinent, positioned just above the equator 209 million years ago,” the researchers added.

“The semi-arid landscape was interspersed with small river channels, which were prone to seasonal flooding. These floods deposited sediment and volcanic ash into the channels.”

“One of these floods might have buried creatures that remain in the bone beds. The site is rich in small fossils, making it impossible to excavate all of them in the field.”

The research team believes the new site will help bridge gaps in the fossil record prior to the final extinction event (ETE).

“About 1.5 million years ago, volcanic eruptions linked to the fragmentation of Pangaea drastically altered the world’s climate and led to the extinction of approximately 75% of Earth’s species,” the scientists commented.

“This opened the door for new groups, such as dinosaurs, to emerge and thrive in ecosystems globally.”

“Due to the lack of fossil outcrops from just before the ETE, it is challenging to find direct evidence of this transition on land.”

“This site captures the shift toward a more modern terrestrial vertebrate community, marking the beginning of the flourishing of groups following the Mesozoic era, alongside these older species that survived into the Triassic period.”

“Such fossil beds provide evidence that all these animals coexisted.”

The team’s study was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Ben T. Krigman et al. 2025. The extraordinary bone bed uncovers a vertebrate community with pterygoids and turtles in the equatorial Pangaea prior to terminal extinction. PNAS 122 (29): E2505513122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2505513122

Source: www.sci.news

Neanderthals Operated a “Fat Factory” for Bone and Grease Processing.

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Neanderthal cooking abilities were more advanced than previously believed.

Gregoire Cirade/Science Photo Library

Almost 100,000 years ago, Neanderthals processed animal bones to extract fat, a practice that was also seen in modern humans around 125,000 years ago.

This discovery stems from a remarkable lakeside site in Neumark Nod, eastern East Germany, where over 100,000 bone fragments from at least 172 individual animals were uncovered, including horses, dogs, deer, foxes, large cats, and extinct twin rhinoceroses.

The bones exhibited clear signs of having been crushed into small pieces and heated to release the fat contained within the spongy tissues. This fat could have served as a rich source of high-calorie nutrition for hunter-gatherer groups.

Will Roebroeks and his team at Leiden University in the Netherlands described the site as a “fat factory” suggesting it was intensively used for a short period. “The fragmentation of the bones is distinctly artificial and not a result of natural predation or geological forces,” he states.

While there is no direct evidence of butchery by Neanderthals, they were the primary known human species in Europe at that time, Roebroeks points out.

Previously, the earliest evidence for grease rendering was located in Portugal, dating back only 28,000 years.

The labor-intensive process of breaking down large mammal bones into such tiny fragments only makes sense if it serves a purpose, Roebroeks notes.

The team lacks direct evidence of boiling; however, it is evident that the bones were heated. “Given the clearly heated bones, heated flint tools, and the presence of stones, it indicates that fire was utilized at the site,” he explains.

Since the earliest known pottery dates back around 20,000 years, the Neanderthals likely used other types of containers to boil the bones. Recent experiments indicate that containers made from materials like deer hides and birch bark can be placed directly over the fire, allowing sufficient water to heat up for cooking, according to Roebroeks.

“This adds yet another layer to the complex cultural practices of our distant relatives, suggesting that these hunter-gatherers may have engaged in forms of food preservation,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Triassic Sauropodomorph Dinosaurs Endured Severe Bone Infections

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A team of paleontologists from the University of Zurich has identified chronic instances of osteomyelitis (bone tissue infection) in Plateosaurus trossingensis, one of the well-known dinosaurs from the late Triassic period in Europe.

Diagram of Plateosaurus trossingensis skeletons featured in the Theoprati exhibition at the Museum of Natural History, University of Zurich. Image credits: Dupuy et al., doi: 10.1186/s13358-025-00368-3.

Plateosaurus trossingensis inhabited Europe around 220 million years ago during the late Triassic epoch.

These ancient creatures were approximately 8 m (26 feet) long and primarily walked on their hind legs.

In a recent study, paleontologist Jordan Bestwick and colleagues analyzed the skeleton of Plateosaurus trossingensis from the Klettgau Layer in Switzerland.

They discovered significant osteomyelitis in the dinosaur’s upper arm and right shoulder.

“Osteomyelitis affects various living animals, including humans, birds, and reptiles,” noted Dr. Bestwick.

“The condition has been documented in several dinosaur groups, including sauropods, leading us to assess and compare numerous specimens, including Plateosaurus.

“The impacted bones in the shoulders and upper arms displayed notably rough internal and external textures, altered shapes, and even fusion, which are broad indicators of osteomyelitis.”

Researchers find their discoveries particularly intriguing since this case represents the oldest recorded instance of osteomyelitis in dinosaurs, dating back to about 220 million years ago, and the extent of the infection was unusually large.

“Earlier studies highlighted localized infections, such as in toe bones or adjacent vertebrae,” Dr. Bestwick explained.

“It’s exceptionally rare to observe infections in a shoulder and the entirety of an upper arm.”

“While the initial cause of the infection remains unknown, it likely plagued the animal for a prolonged period, potentially rendering its right arm nonfunctional.”

These findings are detailed in a paper published in the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology.

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sfj dupuis et al. 2025. Osteology and histology of a Plateosaurus trossingensis (Dinosaur: Sauropodomorpha) from the Upper Triassic in Switzerland with advanced chronic pathology. Swiss J Palaeontol 144, 27; doi:10.1186/s13358-025-00368-3

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Whale Bone Tool Discovered in Spain, Dating Back 20,000 Years

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Researchers conducted an extensive study of bone artifacts from 26 Paleolithic caves and rock shelter locations in the Cantabria area of Spain and southwestern France.

173 work (a) and raw (b) taxonomic identification of bone objects: (1) blank, Tito Bastilo, sperm whale. (2) A launch point with a huge base, Islitz and a blue whale. (3) Lassempouy, Fin Whale; (4) Rascaldas, a sperm whale; (5) A launch point with a giant base, Hermitia and a gray whale. (6) Unclear object, St. Michelle, a sperm whale. (7-10) Santa Catalina, raw fragments of fin whale bones. Image credit: McGrath et al., doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-59486-8.

“The largest creatures on Earth, whales were a vital source of nourishment and materials like oil and bone,” stated Dr. Christa McGrath, the lead author and an archaeologist from the University of Barcelona, along with her co-researchers.

“Hence, they are thought to have been instrumental in the survival of various coastal human populations.”

“Nonetheless, tracing the origins of human and near-human interactions is challenging since coastal archaeological sites are particularly prone to the impacts of rising sea levels, complicating the preservation of evidence regarding early human-mammal relationships.”

The authors examined 83 bone tools from various cave and rock shelter locations around the Bay of Biscay in Spain, along with an additional 90 bones from the Santa Catalina Cave in Biscay province.

Utilizing mass spectrometry and radiocarbon dating methods, they identified the species and age of the artifacts.

The earliest two dates were from the Cantabrian sites of Las Caño and Ergeyo, which dated to 20,200-19,600 and 19,600-19,000 years ago, respectively.

“Our findings show that the bones came from at least five large whale species, with the oldest dating back around 19,000-20,000 years,” mentioned Senior author Dr. Jean Mark Petitillon, an archaeologist at Toulouse-Jean-Jalaise University and CNRS University.

“This provides some of the earliest known proof of humans utilizing whales as tools.”

“Zoomorphometry is an effective method for studying past marine mammal diversity, especially when key morphological features are absent in the bone remains and artifacts.

“We identified gray whales that not only existed in Biscay Bay but are now confined to the North Pacific and Arctic oceans.”

“Moreover, chemical analysis of the bones indicates that the feeding patterns of these ancient whales varied slightly from those of contemporary ones, highlighting potential shifts in behavior and marine environments.”

“This discovery not only enhances our understanding of the early human use of whale remains but also illuminates the role whales held in ancient ecosystems.”

The team’s study is set to be published in the journal Nature Communications.

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K. McGrath et al. 2025. Late Paleolithic whale bone tools in the Bay of Biscay reveal insights into human and whale ecology. Nature Communications 16, 4646; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-59486-8

Source: www.sci.news

The New “Bone Collector” Caterpillar Adorns Itself with the Remains of Its Prey.

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A newly identified species of caterpillar has been found climbing the spider webs on Oahu, Hawaii, presenting an unprecedented sight for scientists.

This caterpillar not only thrives in a peculiar and precarious environment but also resides in tree hollows, rock crevices, and within the nets of curled logs. Interestingly, it is carnivorous and uses parts of its prey as camouflage after consuming them.

This unusual insect, recognized by researchers, is a rare outlier in the insect kingdom. Out of roughly 200,000 known species of moths and butterflies, only about 0.1% are carnivorous.

“Carthymen are extremely uncommon among caterpillars,” stated Professor Adam Hart, an ecologist, conservation scientist, and entomologist at the University of Gloucestershire who was not part of the study, as reported by BBC Science Focus. “In fact, it’s only found in Hawaiian species groups.”

Bone collector caterpillars share webs with spiders and consume their prey. -Rubinoff Lab, Entomology Section, University of Hawaii, Manoa

This newly discovered species is adept at scavenging. It consumes weak or deceased insects that become ensnared in spider webs and can even chew through silk to access its food source if needed.

Dragging a silk case (the protective outer layer before transforming into a moth), it accumulates adhesive threads, exoskeletons, and insect limbs, creating a creepy yet effective disguise.

Researchers uncovered body parts from over six different insect species attached to these caterpillars. This is not a random assortment but a carefully curated collection.

“Before caterpillars weave their collection, the body parts are meticulously sized,” explained the authors of the published study in Science.

The parts are arranged optimally, with oversized pieces being bitten down to size before being incorporated, resulting in a creepy yet intentional suit of armor fashioned from the remains of their prey.

“Many caterpillars possess incredible camouflage, typically integrated into their form and behavior,” Hart noted. “It’s rare for them to utilize their environment as camouflage in this manner, but it’s not unheard of in moths; for instance, bagworms use environmental materials to construct their cases.”

To further explore this species, researchers raised some caterpillars in captivity, where they soon observed another unsettling behavior: cannibalism. The solitary nature of these caterpillars in the wild may explain their isolation, as only one is found per web.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6jjsdqeke8

Large bone collector caterpillars share smaller specimens in captivity.

The researchers also tested whether bone collectors would use other types of debris for decoration, finding they only decorated with insect remnants.

Despite its peculiar lifestyle, this species has existed for a lengthy period, potentially six million years, which is more than twice the age of Oahu itself.

However, its current range is limited to just 15km² (5.8 square miles) and is at significant risk of extinction. Without immediate conservation efforts, researchers warn that “the last living representative of this lineage of carnivorous, body-adorned caterpillars will vanish, adapted to the precarious existence within spider webs.”

“There are countless extraordinary invertebrates out there, with much more yet to be discovered,” Hart remarked. “Moth caterpillars disguised as the remains of insect prey, living predatory lives on spider webs, is certainly one of the strangest and most fascinating things I’ve heard in quite a while.”

About our experts

Adam Hart is an entomologist and professor of science communication at the University of Gloucestershire. Besides his research and educational efforts, he frequently appears on BBC Radio 4 and BBC World Service, participating in documentaries on various topics from trophy hunting to tree diseases. He also hosts a weekly science program, Science Behaviour for BBC World Services. On television, Adam has co-presented several documentary series, including BBC Four’s Planet Ant and BBC Two’s Living Hive.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Bone Collector Caterpillars: Not Just Playing with Their Food, They’re Wearing It.

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Hawaii is a beautiful tropical paradise and home to terrifying, eerie rawly predators. There is Spiders blocking their prey in the air And it poisons It can extend nearly 15 inches long.

And there is the evolutionary rarity of carnivorous caterpillars. And now, scientists have discovered not only a food for other insects, but also a very hungry caterpillar.

Called The Bone Collector, this scary taste in Caterpillar and Couture was explained in the Journal on Thursday Science. “The behavior was completely unknown,” said Daniel Rubinoff, an entomologist and research author at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. His team initially compared caterpillars to raw crime scenes.

Bone collector’s caterpillar is found only within the six-square miles of a single mountain range on Oahu. So it only exists in co-necks spun by spiders in logs and rock caves. When caterpillars almost slip about the web, they clean dead insects and other arthropods that have been soaked in sticky silk.

According to David Wagner, an entomologist at the University of Connecticut, Caterpillar’s reliance on Spiders presents one of nature’s most unlikely connections, as he was not involved in new research. “It’s amazing how caterpillars tie their fate to spiders. It’s clear and current danger for both caterpillars and moth,” Dr. Wagner said. He only knows one other species that frequently visits spider nets. But the species are vegetarians who snack on plant ingredients caught in the web.

Dr. Rubinoff first encountered the bone collector’s caterpillar in 2008 while examining the inner web of a hollow tree. Caterpillars are extremely rare. Over 150 field studies in the area produced only 62 bone collector specimens.

Scientists determined that bone collectors belong to hyposporoma, a diverse genus of small moth species found only in Hawaii. The larva stage rotates silk protective cases that resemble everything from Kandi wrappers to cigars.

Like hermit crabs, these caterpillars carry their cases before moving before appearing as fully grown moth. Some species decorate mobile homes with wood, algae and shells to blend into the environment.

Bone collector Caterpillar gives an eerie spin on his practice. Using silk, caterpillars weave small pieces of dead insects they encounter on the spider web. Researchers have identified parts from six families of insects attached to caterpillars, including the heads of weevils and the abdomen of beetles. Caterpillar also incorporates fragments of the exoskeleton molted by Arachnid’s neighbors.

Dr. Rubinoff and his colleagues brought some bone collectors back to the lab. They were surprised at how loud the caterpillars were when they were to decorate their lawsuit. “These caterpillars can identify differences in the objects of their environment,” Dr. Rubinov said. The larvae chose to avoid other available debris and harvest only from insect corpses.

But the ruins are not. Caterpillar uses the lower jaw to carefully rotate and investigate future body parts. Something too large will bite you in a more comfortable size.

The caterpillars gathering bones are too noisy about their diet. The team discovered that caterpillars, including one another, eat insect prey that can catch.

But they have to fight against an eight-legged landowner. The team observed bone collector caterpillars that frequently and frequently visit the web of at least four introduced spider species. The team assumes that Caterpillar’s horrifying outfits will help disguise them among insects trapped in the web. Dr. Wagner suspects caterpillars will undermine the appeal of their culinary culinary by disguising them as “a pile of garbage” of objects that the spiders didn’t scarf down.

The bone collector approach appears to be working. Researchers never observed spiders consuming bone collectors or engulfing them in silk.

The team studied bone collector genetics and determined that it was likely that it diverged from other carnivorous hypofluvium caterpillars more than 5 million years ago. This may be millions of years before Oahu emerged from beneath the sea, and the ancestors of bone collectors once lived on other islands.

Bone collector’s current paradise slices may be at risk. Caterpillars have adapted to thrive in nets spun by non-native spider species, but their habitat is threatened by invasive ants and parasitic wasps. According to Dr. Rubinoff, conservation attention is desperately needed to save endemic arthropods in Hawaii.

Source: www.nytimes.com

The Bone Collector: Caterpillar Donning a Disguise of Dead Insect Body Parts

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Bone collector caterpillar from the Waianae Mountains of Oahu, Hawaii

Daniel Rubinov et al. 2025

The newly described “Bone Collector” caterpillar species disguises itself as dead insect body parts, allowing them to live in spiders and poach their prey. This is the only caterpillar known to use such a scary camouflage or have a roommate-like spider, a carnivorous animal and a booty cannibalism.

Daniel Rubinoff At the University of Hawaii, Manoa and his colleagues discovered a caterpillar while hiking the Waianae Mountains of Oahu over 20 years ago. They were looking for other species in the same genus, Low mass tumorAlso known as the Hawaiian Fancy Case Caterpillar. “I saw this little, tiny sac covered in a bit of a bug and honestly, I didn’t know what it was,” Rubinov says. “Then we’ll get it back [to the lab]and we realize there is a bit of a caterpillar there.

Newly described species of Low mass tumor – Has not yet received the scientific name – lives in a co-neck inside the trunk of a tree, among rocks and other enclosed spaces. It is the length of its claws and feeds on insects trapped in spider nets. “Only 0.13% of all caterpillars on the planet are carnivorous,” says Rubinoff. “That’s why it’s very difficult for caterpillars to evolve to eat meat.”

Bone collectors avoid becoming the prey itself in creepy ways. Decorate the silk case with fragments of dead insects and molted exoskeletons of spiders. Before disguising it, the creature carefully sizes each body part that may contain the ant’s head, beetle’s abdomen, or fly wings.

Bone Collector Caterpillar (left) uses his horrifying disguise to live safely in a spider (right)

Daniel Rubinov et al. 2025

“It’s probably the only way to survive with the spider, by covering yourself with the skin of the spider’s own shed and small pieces of past meals,” says Rubinov. This will make the caterpillars smell and taste more like garbage bags than juicy snacks for Arknido Housemates. After about 2-3 months it transforms into moth, smaller than the grain of rice.

If bone collectors are not fully accessorized, this caterpillar is also a cannibal. Researchers learned this after placing two larvae in the same cage, leading to one larger bet for smaller, weaker siblings. This is why only one bone collector is displayed per Spider Web, says Rubinoff.

Researchers have discovered only 62 of these creatures over more than 150 field studies conducted over approximately 22 years.

Genetic analysis shows that the lineage is more than 3 million years old than Oahu, meaning it was once again spreading. “Since humans arrived in places like this, we have lost many native species,” says Rubinoff. “Both we were able to find is a miracle [the bone collector]and it’s really sad that they are so restricted to this one place.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient Bone Tool Unearthed in Tanzania Dates Back 1.5 Million Years

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Paleontologists have documented a collection of bone tools from one horizon, 1.5 million years ago, in Tanzania’s All-Bai Valley. These bone tools preceded more than a million years ago other evidence of systematic bone tool production, shedding new light on the almost unknown world of early human bone technology.

The elephant’s humerus, which was 1.5 million years ago, has soaked into the tool. Image credit: CSIC.

Early humans had already made stone tools with some capacity for at least a million years, but there was little evidence of widespread adoption from bones about 500,000 years ago.

Humanity, who shaped the newly discovered bone tools, did it in the same way they created stone tools by shaving small flakes and creating sharp edges.

The transfer of this technology from one medium to another shows that the human race who made bone tools had a high understanding of tool creation, and that they can adapt their technology to different materials, important intellectual leaps.

It could be that human ancestors at the time had higher levels of cognitive skills and brain development than scientists thought.

“The discovery envisages that early humans will greatly expand their technical options, previously limited to stone tools production, and now allow new raw materials to be incorporated into a repertoire of potential artifacts.”

“At the same time, this expansion of technological potential demonstrates the advances in the cognitive and mental structures of these humans, who knew how to incorporate innovation by adapting knowledge of stone work to manipulation of bones.”

“The tool provides evidence that their creators work carefully on the bones, shatter the flakes and create useful shapes,” says Dr. Renata Peters, a researcher at the University of London.

“We were excited to find these bone tools from these early time frames.”

“It means that human ancestors were able to transfer skills from stones to bones, a level of complex cognition that we have not seen elsewhere in a million years.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipecfzkuytc

The 1.5 million-year-old bone tool was discovered at the T69 complex site in Friedalie Ki Collongo West Gully in the All-By Valley in northern Tanzania.

The research authors discovered a collection of 27 bones shaped into the site’s tools. The bones mostly came from large mammals, mostly elephants and hippopotamus.

The tool is made only from the bones of the animal’s limbs. These are because they are the most dense and strong.

Very early stone tools have come from the All Old One era, which grew from about 2.7 million to 1.5 million years ago. It employs a simple method of making stone tools by shaving one or several flakes from the stone core using hammer stones.

The bone tool reported in the current study was a time when ancient human ancestors began in the Akeirian era, when they began around 1.7 million years ago.

Acheulean technology is best characterized by using more complex hand axes carefully shaped by napping.

Bone tools show that these more advanced techniques have been carried over and adopted for use in bone.

Prior to this discovery, bones shaped into tools were only sporadically identified in rare and isolated cases of the fossil record, not a way to imply that human ancestors systematically produced them.

Due to the overall shape, size and sharp edges, exactly what the tool was used is unknown, but it may have been used to deal with animal corpses in food.

It is also unknown that human ancestor species created the tool.

Alongside the collection of bone artifacts, no relics of humanity were found, but they are known at the time, Homo Erectus and Paranthropus Boisei He was a resident of this area.

“These tools were such an unexpected discovery, so we hope that our findings will encourage archaeologists to reconsider bone discoveries around the world in case other evidence of bone tools is missed,” the researchers said.

Their paper Today I’ll be appearing in the journal Nature.

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I. de la Torr et al. Systematic bone tool production 1.5 million years ago. NaturePublished online on March 5th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08652-5

Source: www.sci.news

Bone with crocodile bites dating back 76 million years discovered in Canada

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Understanding food chains in ancient ecosystems is one of the goals of paleoecology. Direct evidence of these interactions is rare and includes fossils with stomach contents and bite/teeth marks. A rare occurrence of bite marks on the neck vertebrae of a giant azhdarchyd goat larval vertebral column specimen from the Greater Sublineage of Alberta, Canada. was recorded. Approximately 76 million years ago. Based on the size and shape of the tooth marks and comparisons with modern animals, the authors suggest that crocodiles bite pterosaurs, but it is unclear whether this is active predation or scavenging. I couldn’t do it. Signs of giant pterosaurs are rare, so this provides novel details about how they fit into this ancient ecosystem.

Fossilized neck bones of a young boy Cryodrakon Boreas It shows signs (right part of specimens 2 and 8) that do not indicate that it was bitten by a crocodile-like creature 76 million years ago. Image credit: Brown et al. , doi:10.1017/jpa.2024.12.

The 76-million-year-old neck vertebrae were excavated in July 2023 in the Dinosaur Park Formation in Alberta, Canada.

The preserved (i.e. incomplete) length of the specimen is 5.8 cm. The estimated total length of the vertebrae is 9.4 cm.

The specimen has a circular puncture mark 4 mm wide from a crocodile tooth.

“Peterosaurus bones are very delicate, so it's very unusual to find fossils that were clearly chewed by another animal,” said Dr Caleb Brown, a palaeontologist at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology. states.

“This specimen is even rarer because it is a juvenile.”

The punctured vertebrae belong to a larva (estimated wingspan 2 m) Cryodrakon Boreasa species of giant azhdarchid pterosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous in what is now Canada.

Adults of this species will be as tall as a giraffe with a wingspan in an area of 10 m.

“With an estimated wingspan comparable to some of the largest azhdarchids, creedracon And other large azhdarchids were probably significant terrestrial foragers,” said the paleontologist.

“Bite marks, implanted teeth, and stomach contents indicate that the azhdarchid pterosaurs were fed by velociraptrines and crocodiles.”

Cryodrakon Boreas. Image credit: David Maas.

In this study, they used micro-CT scans and comparisons with other pterygoid bones to confirm that they were the result of an actual crocodile bite, rather than fossilization or damage during excavation. I did.

“It helps document species interactions from this time,” said Dr. Brian Pickles, a paleontologist at Reading College.

“While we can't say whether the palace was alive or dead when it was bitten, the specimen is a juvenile that crocodiles sometimes preyed on in prehistoric Alberta more than 700 million years ago, or removed.” It shows that it shows a pterosaur.”

study Published online today Journal of Paleontology.

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Caleb M. Brown et al. Larval vertebral vertebrae with putative crocodile bites from a Campanian in Alberta, Canada. Journal of Paleontologypublished online on January 23, 2025. doi:10.1017/jpa.2024.12

Source: www.sci.news

The Victorian Era’s Affinity for Smoking: Uncovering its Effects on Bone Health

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Recent archaeological findings indicate that smoking not only stains teeth but also has a literal impact on bones. Additionally, new research suggests that the prevalence of smoking among women in Georgian and Victorian England may have been underestimated compared to men.

In a study conducted by Dr. Sarah Inskip, it was discovered that many women in historical records showed traces of tobacco use, contradicting common beliefs about smoking habits. This finding highlights the importance of considering smoking as a significant health risk for both men and women.

The survey results published in a scientific journal suggest that advancements in analyzing bones for historical information can also aid in modern criminal investigations. By identifying smoking patterns and other lifestyle aspects from bone samples, researchers can create biological profiles to assist in identifying individuals in forensic cases.

Researchers have identified specific molecular markers in bones that indicate smoking habits. By analyzing skeletal remains from different time periods, they found evidence of tobacco use in a significant portion of individuals, including those dating back to the 12th century.

These findings provide valuable insights into the historical prevalence of smoking and its impact on individuals’ health. The research team’s work opens up new possibilities for understanding past health issues and potentially improving modern health outcomes.

About our experts

Dr. Sarah Inskip, a researcher at the University of Leicester and a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, has published her research in prestigious journals such as nature communications, archaeology and anthropology, and American Journal of Physical Anthropology.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Review of the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Enhancing Bone Conduction Headphones with Powerful Bass

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SSo-called bone conduction headphones are a runner’s best friend, allowing you to stay fully aware of the outside world while listening to motivational music. But the technology doesn’t produce decent bass, a problem that open-ear headphone maker Shokz believes it has solved with its latest OpenRun Pro 2.


A successor to the popular OpenRun Pro and OpenSwim series, the OpenRun Pro 2 costs £169 (€199 / $175 / AU$299) and is similar to most of its competitors, with bone conduction pods secured in front of the ears by two loops and a band that wraps around the back of the head.

What makes these headphones unique is that the pods have open-air speakers built into them, allowing music to be streamed towards the outer ear. Bone conduction The speakers vibrate your cheekbones to send sound directly to your inner ear, while open-air speakers handle the bass and the rest of the sound is sent to the listener via bone conduction.

Open-air speakers emit sound from grilles in the pods that are located directly in front of the wearer’s ears. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

They don’t deliver the skull-shaking bass of larger over-ear headphones, but the OpenRun Pro 2 sounds fuller and rounder than its predecessor, and won’t send thumping noises through your cheeks even at louder volumes. Instruments, drums, and vocals have more depth, making them especially great for podcasts and dance tracks. The Shokz smartphone app offers an equalizer to fine-tune the sound of the headphones, as well as other updates and adjustments.

But the open-air speakers block out a lot more background noise than traditional bone-conduction headphones, significantly reducing awareness of cars, cyclists, and other runners. They’re still far better than earbuds or other headphones, but the difference was noticeable when listening at moderate volumes while running.

Only at 50% volume will nearby people be able to hear the music a little better than regular bone conduction earphones – they’re less noticeable than cheaper earphones and aren’t loud enough to be an issue when running.

specification

  • water resistance: IP55 (water-resistant)

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (SBC)

  • Battery life: 12 hr

  • size: 30.9 x 21.7 x 24.3mm

  • Weight: 30.3 g

  • driver: Air conduction and bone conduction

  • charging: USB-C

Bluetooth upgrade and comfortable fit

The USB-C charging port is hidden behind a rubber door to protect it from the elements. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Another big upgrade from previous Shokz is support for Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, meaning you can connect two devices at the same time. This is especially useful if you want to connect to a running watch and a phone at the same time. You can even take a call while listening to music and lap guidance from the watch without stopping.

The headphones fit very well, with a nice balance between the front and back of the ears, and the back band is just the right amount of flexible, putting enough pressure on the sides of your head without being too restrictive. A mini version is also available for those who want a tighter fit.

The volume buttons are on the headphone body behind the right ear, and the multifunction button that controls playback is on the outside of the pod in front of the left ear. The microphone for calls is on the right pod and works well enough, although callers said my voice sounded a bit distant and quiet.

The battery lasts for 12 hours on a single charge and fully charges in about an hour via the USB-C port. The headphones are splash-resistant, so they’re fine for a sweaty run, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe to immerse in water.

The headphones come with a lightweight shell case for safe storage when traveling. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Sustainability

Shokz claims that the batteries in the earbuds and case will retain at least 80% of their original capacity for 800 full charge cycles. Shokz does not offer trade-in, recycling or repair services, and the batteries cannot be replaced. The headphones do not contain any recycled materials, and the company has not released an environmental impact report.

price

The OpenRun Pro 2 costs £169 (€199 / $175 / AU$299).

By comparison, the Shokz OpenRun costs £130, the Suunto Wing costs £145, the Creative Outlier Free Pro+ costs £80 and the Bose Ultra Open earphones cost £250.

verdict

The OpenRun Pro 2 solves the bass-deficient issue of bone conduction headphones by adding open-air speakers that handle the bass.

They don’t deliver skull-shaking bass, but they deliver a rich sound that’s just as good as standard earphones, making them a marked improvement over previous earphones. The trade-off, however, is a slightly worse situational awareness at moderate volumes. This isn’t a deal-breaker for me, but if you like to listen to music loud while running, it might negate the point of buying bone conduction headphones.

The addition of Bluetooth multipoint, which lets you connect to two devices simultaneously, is a nice touch, as is the 12-hour battery life and the fact that charging is done via a standard USB-C cable rather than a proprietary port.

The Shokz are not cheap and are not suitable for general use as headphones, but the biggest problem is that they cannot be repaired and the battery is not replaceable, so they end up being disposable and lose a star.

Strong Points: Much rounder sound than bone conduction, open air recognition, splash proof, solid battery life, standard USB-C charging, Bluetooth multipoint, great for running.

Cons: They offer slightly less recognition than bone conduction alone, are expensive, don’t support high-quality Bluetooth audio formats, and are not repairable or have replaceable batteries.

Actual click buttons make it easy to adjust volume and control playback while working out. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

The dinosaur history of Wales illuminated by 205-million-year-old bone bed

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The recently discovered Late Triassic bonebed at Labanock in South Wales is a storm deposit that preserves a rich coastal marine biota, including a diverse range of fish and marine reptiles.

A view of the cliff face at Labanock Point from the eastern end of the beach shows how the red mudstones of the Williton Member (Marcia Mudstone Formation) transition upward into the bedded shales of the Westbury Formation. Image courtesy of Evans others., doi: 10.1016/j.pgeola.2024.05.001.

“The new bone beds paint a picture of a tropical island that was frequently battered by storms, washing material from the surrounding areas on land and at sea into the tidal zone,” said paleontologist Owain Evans from the University of Bristol.

“This means that from just one fossil bed, we can reconstruct a complex ecosystem containing a wide variety of marine reptiles, such as underwater ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and placodonts, as well as land-based dinosaurs.”

The discovery was made at Labanock Head, near Cardiff and Penarth in South Wales, where dark shale and limestone cliffs reveal an ancient, shallow sea.

Several layers contain deposits of bones, including the remains of fish, sharks, marine reptiles, and occasionally dinosaurs.

“I grew up in Cardiff and have been visiting Penarth beach all my life but I'd never noticed any fossils,” Ms Evans said.

“And the more I read, the more amazing it became.”

“Local geologists have been collecting the bones since the 1870s, and most of them are in the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff.”

“The Labanock collection dates back to the 19th century and many parts of the bone bed have been collected over many years,” said Dr. Cindy Howells, curator of palaeontology at the National Museum Wales.

“The presence of dinosaur remains at the site ensures that it will remain one of the most important sites for palaeontology in Wales.”

The paleontologists also unearthed the remains of a placodont osteoderm and a coelacanth throat bone.

“Coelacanth and other placodont fossils are relatively rare in the UK, which makes this find all the more remarkable,” said Dr. Chris Duffin, a palaeontologist at the University of Bristol and the Natural History Museum in London.

“Just these two fossils alone, Rhaetian What would it have been like in England?”

“The amount of dinosaur fossils found at Labanoc is extremely exciting and provides an opportunity to study a complex and often mysterious period in dinosaur evolutionary history,” said Professor Michael Benton, from the University of Bristol.

“We are a big Plateosaurus “Similar animals and several other bones possibly belonging to a predatory theropod were found.”

of Investigation result Appears in Proceedings of the Association of Geologists.

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Owain Evans othersA microvertebrate from the basal Rhaetian bone bed (Late Triassic) at Lavanock, South Wales. Proceedings of the Association of GeologistsPublished online May 23, 2024; doi: 10.1016/j.pgeola.2024.05.001

Source: www.sci.news

Protect Your Bones: Uncovering the Hidden Crisis in Women’s Bone Health

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The global population is seeing substantial shifts due to the increase in average life expectancy. The World Health Organization reports that as of 2020, the number of individuals over 60 surpasses those under 5 worldwide..

In the UK, there are over 11 million people aged 65 and above, a number expected to rise to 13 million, constituting 22% of the population in a decade. This demographic change has drawn attention to often overlooked health issues, particularly in women: osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Globally, over 8.9 million osteoporotic fractures occur annually, equating to one osteoporotic fracture happening every three seconds somewhere in the world.

It impacts more than 200 million women worldwide, with an estimated one in three women over 50 likely to experience an osteoporosis-related fracture at some point. Studies suggest this is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in women of this age group.

But why does bone health deteriorate with age? Our bones house specialized cells known as osteoblasts that generate new bone tissue. Conversely, osteoclasts are cells at the other end of the skeletal cycle responsible for dissolving old, damaged bone tissue and replacing it with fresh, healthy tissue.

The balance of activity between these cell types is crucial for bone health. Up to the age of 30, osteoblast activity generally exceeds osteoclast activity, resulting in more bone formation than loss. However, as individuals reach 35, osteoclast activity becomes dominant, leading to a gradual decline in bone quality and density.

Most concerning is the rapid decrease in estrogen production in postmenopausal women, which triggers increased osteoclast activity due to reduced osteoblast numbers and extended osteoclast lifespans. This change is believed to contribute to osteoporosis development.

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When a certain level of bone density loss occurs, osteopenia may develop, leading to extremely low bone density and increased fracture risk, potentially progressing to osteoporosis. This condition is often referred to as “bone thinning,” but it results from changes in bone density, microstructure, and quality that compromise bone strength.

Unfortunately, both osteopenia and osteoporosis are typically asymptomatic until a fracture occurs, making diagnosis incidental. Various risk factors may contribute to the development of these conditions, including smoking, thyroid disease, diabetes, and certain medications like steroids.

Preventive measures for bone health should be initiated early. A balanced, calcium-rich diet is crucial, with dairy products serving as primary sources of calcium. Individuals with restricted dairy intake may need calcium supplements, emphasizing the importance of vitamin D production through sunlight exposure or supplementation.

While calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health, engaging in bone-straining exercises, especially resistance training, can stimulate osteoblast activity, preventing osteoporosis progression. Exercise not only enhances bone mineralization but also improves muscle strength, balance, and posture, reducing the risk of falls and fractures.

For menopausal women, exercising efficacy in promoting bone mineralization hinges on adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, making supplementation vital. Additionally, various medications are available to treat or slow osteoporosis progression, with estrogen therapies recommended for menopausal women, particularly those with premature ovarian insufficiency.

Education and awareness about bone health can significantly impact prevention and proper management of osteoporosis, especially as societies aged. Addressing these issues is crucial as we navigate the future of an aging population.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Ancient bone beads discovered in Wyoming date back 12,940 years

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Archaeologists have discovered ancient tubular beads made from hare bone at the La Prele mammoth site in Wyoming, USA. This is the oldest bead discovered in the Western Hemisphere.

La Prele bone beads. Polished end (top) and side view with notch (bottom). Image credit: Surovell other., doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-53390-9.

“The manufacture and use of personal ornaments, most commonly beads, is an important indicator of the increasing cultural and social complexity of humans during the Paleolithic period, first appearing in the Middle Stone Age of Africa. It then appeared in the Early Upper Paleolithic of Eurasia,” says the University of Wisconsin. Wyoming Professor Todd Surovell and his colleagues.

“Beads are not well documented from early archaeological contexts in the Americas, but some examples have been reported from Paleoindian regions, where the first immigrants to the Western Hemisphere used beads on their bodies and clothing. It shows that he created and used personal ornaments to decorate his home.”

Archaeologists examined ancient tubular beads from an active area centered around a hearth at the La Prele Mammoth ruins in Converse County, Wyoming, USA.

“The La Prele Mammoth Site is an early Paleoindian site located along La Prele Creek near its confluence with the North Platte River in Converse County, Wyoming,” they said.

“Test excavations in 1987 revealed an association between the chipped stone remains and the partial remains of a subadult.” Colombian mammoth (mammoth colombi)Subsequent excavations revealed that a nearby campsite preserved active areas centered around multiple hearths. ”

“The occupied surface was filled with low-energy dyke deposits, and based on an average of five radiocarbon dates of the bones, occupation occurred 12,941 years ago.”

The length of the beads is small, about 7mm. The inner diameter averages 1.6 mm and the outer diameter averages 2.9 mm.

“Two deep parallel grooves with a U-shaped cross section develop on the surface of the bead aligned perpendicular to the long axis,” the researchers said.

“Similar grooves also occur on Paleolithic and Archaic tubular bone beads, although it is unclear whether these notches are a byproduct of manufacturing, skinning, abrasion, or perhaps decoration. It's very smooth and polished.”

“The beads are lightly coated with red ocher, but the presence of ocher on the surface may be coincidental since they were recovered from a sediment contaminated with powdered hematite.”

To determine the origin of the beads, scientists extracted collagen for zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry, also known as ZooMS. This allowed us to gain insight into the chemical composition of bone.

Researchers believe that the beads are attached to either the metatarsals (the bones that connect the phalanges of the fingers to the more proximal bones of the limbs) or the proximal phalanges (the bones found in the fingers and toes of humans and other vertebrates). I concluded that it was made from either. rabbit.

The discovery provides the first solid evidence of the use of hares in BC. Clovis periodspecifically refers to the prehistoric period of North America, about 12,000 years ago.

“We also considered the possibility that the beads were the result of consumption and digestion by carnivores and were not produced by humans,” the authors said.

“However, carnivores are not common at this site, and the artifacts were recovered one meter away from a densely scattered area of ​​other cultural materials.”

“Additionally, the grooves on the outside of the beads are consistent with those made by humans with stones and teeth.”

“Such beads may have been used to decorate their bodies or clothing.”

of findings It was published in the magazine scientific report.

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TA Slovel other. 2024. Rabbit bones are used to make Clovis beads. science officer 14/2937. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-53390-9

Source: www.sci.news

New Insights from a 45,000-year-old Bone Hole into the Lives of our Earliest Ancestors

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In a cave beneath a medieval German castle, researchers have discovered a bone pit that is said to reveal the secrets of early humans.

The remains, buried in layers of soil in a collapsed cave, contained genetic material from cave bears and hyenas, as well as the bones of 13 early humans who died about 45,000 years ago.

The discovery, described in three papers published Thursday in the journals Nature and Nature Ecology & Evolution, suggests that early humans may have traveled further north earlier than scientists realized. It shows that they went on an adventure, they were able to make spear-shaped tools, and then humans were able to make spear-shaped tools. A means to thrive in temperatures much colder than today’s climate.

These discoveries, perhaps made through the development of new DNA techniques, are reshaping the way scientists understand the time when humans and Neanderthals roamed the European continent.

Fragments of human bones excavated from a cave in Ranis, Germany.
From Tim Schuler, Springer Nature

The discovery could bring scientists closer to understanding why Neanderthals ultimately became extinct and what role humans played in their demise.

John Hawkes, a paleoanthropologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who studies ancient human relatives but was not involved in the study, said the study shows that as Neanderthals neared their demise, different human cultures He said this helps solidify the theory that these spots were developing.

“These groups are doing research. They’re going to go to new places. They live there for a while. They have different lifestyles,” he said of early humans. “They feel comfortable moving into areas where Neanderthals were.”

These discoveries were only possible because previous researchers left no stone unturned. Archaeologists in the 1920s and 1930s previously excavated the Ilsenhöhle Cave beneath Ranis Castle in the Thuringia region of Germany. The castle was built over the cave long before any excavations took place.

That’s when scientists were unable to drill into critical layers of the cave, which collapsed after hitting rock more than five feet thick.

In 2016, researchers returned with updated drilling techniques and new forms of analysis. About 24 feet below the surface, they discovered a layer containing leaf tips (like the tip of a spear) and human bone fragments.

The discovery of human bone fragments led researchers to dig deep into material excavated nearly 90 years ago, where they discovered additional skeletal fragments.


Source: www.nbcnews.com