Anthropology Content

Being Part of a ‘Civilization’ Only Reduces Violence If You’re a Woman in Ancient Andes Populations

Karen Michele Nikos — October 21, 2024 - 9:31am

The extent to which “civilization” heightens or lessens the likelihood of violent conflict throughout human history has remained one of the most enduring questions among anthropologists. But a new collaborative study of archaeological groups from the Andes region of South America suggests that being part of a centrally organized state society is only part of the equation.

Researchers Identify Tooth Enamel Proteins That Offer Window into Human Health

Karen Michele Nikos — September 19, 2024 - 8:47am

Native Americans living in coastal Northern California during the Mission era were presumed to experience high rates of disease and stress.

Not until now, however, did scientists have hard evidence of their health issues, according to new research conducted in cooperation with Native descendants. A new way of looking at tooth enamel could give scientists a path to deeper understanding of the health of human populations — from the ancient to the modern. It is believed to be the first research of its kind.

��ϲ��Ͽ� Davis Study Highlights Factors Associated with Higher Tuberculosis Risk in South Africa

Karen Michele Nikos — August 01, 2024 - 1:51pm

Tuberculosis is the world’s top infectious killer. About 10 million people fall ill with the disease every year, and roughly 1.5 million people die because of it, according to the World Health Organization. Additionally, about one-quarter of the world’s population is infected with the disease’s causative agent Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Humans are Born to Run

Andy Fell — July 30, 2024 - 3:24pm

The 2024 Summer Olympics are in full swing. One of the marquee events is of course the marathon, a grueling test of fitness and athleticism.

When it comes to endurance running, humans are among the very top mammals in their athletic prowess. While we may not be the best sprinters in the animal kingdom, we can run steadily for long distances, even in hot weather. Our locomotor muscles are dominated by slow-twitch, fatigue-resistant fibers and our unique ability to sweat allows our bodies to effectively dissipate heat.

Monkeys' Stone Tool Use Gives Insight into Archaeology

Andy Fell — April 19, 2024 - 12:58pm

��ϲ��Ͽ� Davis anthropologists are studying the stone age of capuchin monkeys living on tropical islands off Panama. This 'primate archaeology' is a new approach to archaeology which could give insight into how our own ancestors started using stone tools.

Rise of Archery in Andes Mountains Dated to 5,000 Years Ago — Earlier Than Previous Research

Karen Michele Nikos — December 20, 2023 - 9:30am

When did archery arise in the Americas? And what were the effects of this technology on society?

These questions have long been debated among anthropologists and archaeologists. But a study led by a University of California, Davis, anthropologist, is shining light on this mystery.

Study Suggests That Having Common Ancestors Can Jeopardize Fertility for Generations

Karen Michele Nikos — October 25, 2023 - 9:00am

When it comes to the architecture of the human genome, it’s only a matter of time before harmful genes — genes that could compromise future generations — arise in a population. These mutations accumulate in the gene pool, primarily affected by a population’s size and practices like marrying within a small community, according to researchers.

Can Humans Recognize a Song’s Intent Regardless of Language?

Karen Michele Nikos — September 15, 2023 - 9:14am

There are universal acoustic patterns underlying different song types.

Were Figurative Depictions in Art Exclusive to Homo sapiens?

Karen Michele Nikos — July 10, 2023 - 3:23pm

International research team coordinated by ��ϲ��Ͽ� Davis discovers oldest known sexed personal ornament.

Climate Change Likely Led to Violence in Early Andean Populations

Karen Michele Nikos — June 15, 2023 - 9:00am

Climate change in current times has created problems for humans such as wildfires and reduced growing seasons for staple crops, spilling over into economic effects. Many researchers predict, and have observed in published literature, an increase in interpersonal violence and homicides when temperatures increase.