Why do people have wisdom teeth?

Two dental experts explain that these furthest-back molars may be a not-so-necessary leftover from early human evolution.

Seth M. Weinberg, Professor of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences and Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
Dec. 11, 2023 ~6 min

The wildfires that led to mass extinction: a warning from California's Ice Age history – podcast

A changing climate, humans and fire were a deadly combination for the big animals that used to roam southern California. Listen to The Conversation Weekly podcast.

Gemma Ware, Editor and Co-Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation • conversation
Nov. 2, 2023 ~5 min


What’s next for ancient DNA studies after Nobel Prize honors groundbreaking field of paleogenomics

Thousands of ancient genomes have been sequenced to date. A Nobel Prize highlights tremendous opportunities for aDNA, as well as challenges related to rapid growth, equity and misinformation.

Mary Prendergast, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Rice University • conversation
Oct. 4, 2022 ~8 min

When and how was walking invented?

Walking has taken a very long time to develop, with evidence of bipedalism among early humans in Africa roughly 4.4 million years ago.

Jan Simek, Professor of Anthropology, University of Tennessee • conversation
Nov. 1, 2021 ~7 min

How did humans evolve, and will we evolve more?

Our biggest evolutionary advantages are an ability to walk on two legs and our big brains.

Evan Simons, Postdoctoral Research Associate in Anthropology, University at Buffalo • conversation
April 5, 2021 ~5 min

How did humans evolve, and will they evolve more?

Our biggest evolutionary advantages are an ability to walk on two legs and our big brains.

Evan Simons, Postdoctoral Research Associate in Anthropology, University at Buffalo • conversation
April 5, 2021 ~5 min

Diving in the icy depths: the scientists studying what climate change is doing to the Arctic Ocean – The Conversation Weekly podcast

Plus, new discoveries about early humans in Tanzania's Olduvai Gorge. Listen to episode 5 of The Conversation Weekly podcast.

Daniel Merino, Assistant Editor: Science, Health, Environment; Co-Host: The Conversation Weekly Podcast • conversation
March 4, 2021 ~5 min

Humans aren't inherently selfish – we're actually hardwired to work together

The 'good' side of our nature is much more deep-rooted than the 'evil' side.

Steve Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Leeds Beckett University • conversation
Aug. 20, 2020 ~7 min


/

1