Human Evolution Research Articles

Central nervous system infections in the tropics.

Emerging and re-emerging central nervous system (CNS) infections are a major public health concern in the tropics. The reasons for this are myriad; climate change, rainfall, deforestation, increased vector density combined with poverty, poor sanitation and hygiene. This review focuses on pathogens, which have emerged and re-emerged, with the potential for significant morbidity and mortality. In recent years, multiple acute encephalitis outbreaks have been caused by Nipah virus, which carries a high case fatality. Arboviral infections, predominantly dengue, chikungunya and Zika are re-emerging increasingly especially in urban areas due to changing human habitats, vector behaviour and viral evolution. Scrub typhus, another vector borne disease caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi , is being established as a leading cause of CNS infections in the tropics. A syndromic and epidemiological approach to CNS infections in the tropics is essential to plan appropriate diagnostic tests and management. Rapid diagnostic tests facilitate early diagnosis and thus help prompt initiation and focusing of therapy to prevent adverse outcomes. Vector control, cautious urbanization and deforestation, and reducing disturbance of ecosystems can help prevent spread of vector-borne diseases. Regional diagnostic and treatment approaches and specific vaccines are required to avert morbidity and mortality.

Apocalypse Memories and the Continuing Relevance of Apocalyptic Literature in the Modern World

This article examines the continuing popularity and popularisation of apocalyptic texts in modern literature, taking as a case study the novel Apocalypse Memories based on the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This text seeks to demonstrate that a spoofy-horror-teen novella such as Apocalypse Memories can be examined and questioned in a way that tells us a lot about the evolution and fundamental appeal of eschatological texts and humanity’s constant fascination with the idea of the End. To do so this article investigates Frank Kermode’s theories on apocalyptic literature as set out in his seminal work The Sense of an Ending while examining elements from the Book of Revelation which introduces the ancient religious concept of the apocalypse. I argue that the eschatological inspiration illustrates the continual appeal for the apocalypse and reveals something fundamental about human nature.

Exploring Knapping Learning Processes Amongst Upper Palaeolithic Hunter-Gatherers

ABSTRACT The work reported in this article explores stone knapping learning processes through the study of a Late Upper Palaeolithic workshop in the Italian Alps, so as to contribute to the framework of today’s debate on social learning. Social learning is an essential process for human evolution as it fosters the development of brain districts, the building of knowledge and the acquisition of new skills. Results suggest that knapping learning was likely a structured activity at the site. Moreover, this analysis helped the reconstruction of the social organisation and composition of this past group of hunter-gatherers.

Variation in diurnal cortisol patterns among the Indigenous Shuar of Amazonian Ecuador.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its primary end product, the glucocorticoid cortisol, are major components of the evolved human stress response. However, most studies have examined these systems among populations in high-income settings, which differ from the high pathogen and limited resource contexts in which the HPA axis functioned for most of human evolution. We investigated variability in diurnal salivary cortisol patterns among 298 Indigenous Shuar from Amazonian Ecuador (147 males, 151 females; age 2-86 years), focusing on the effects of age, biological sex, and body mass index (BMI) in shaping differences in diurnal cortisol production. Saliva samples were collected three times daily (waking, 30 minutes post-waking, evening) for three consecutive days to measure key cortisol parameters: levels at waking, the cortisol awakening response, the diurnal slope, and total daily output. Age was positively associated with waking levels and total daily output, with Shuar juveniles and adolescents displaying significantly lower levels than adults (p < .05). Sex was not a significant predictor of cortisol levels (p > .05), as Shuar males and females displayed similar patterns of diurnal cortisol production across the life course. Moreover, age, sex, and BMI significantly interacted to moderate the rate of diurnal cortisol decline (p = .027). Overall, Shuar demonstrated relatively lower cortisol concentrations than high-income populations. This study expands the documented range of global variation in HPA axis activity and diurnal cortisol production and provides important insights into the plasticity of human stress physiology across diverse developmental and socioecological settings.

Digitally Connected, Evolutionarily Wired: An Evolutionary Mismatch Perspective on Digital Work

This paper makes the case for an evolutionary mismatch between digital work and the way human ancestors engaged in work. Psychological adaptations for producing things that early humans needed to survive and thrive, such as cognitive mechanisms for obtaining and processing food, toolmaking, and learning valuable working skills, evolved in the context of small networks of hunter–gatherers. These adaptations are central to understanding the significance of work in human evolution. Evolutionary mismatches operate when novel environments cue ancestral adaptations in ways that no longer provide adaptive benefits. We argue that digital work, although efficient and productive, is misaligned with some fundamental human needs, preferences, and routines, thereby illuminating a potential dark side. Yet digitalization also offers opportunities for matching the modern work environment to our evolved work psychology. We conclude with an agenda for advancing research in industrial and organizational psychology on digital work from an evolutionary mismatch perspective.

Human brains preserve in diverse environments for at least 12 000 years.

The brain is thought to be among the first human organs to decompose after death. The discovery of brains preserved in the archaeological record is therefore regarded as unusual. Although mechanisms such as dehydration, freezing, saponification, and tanning are known to allow for the preservation of the brain on short time scales in association with other soft tissues (≲4000 years), discoveries of older brains, especially in the absence of other soft tissues, are rare. Here, we collated an archive of more than 4400 human brains preserved in the archaeological record across approximately 12 000 years, more than 1300 of which constitute the only soft tissue preserved amongst otherwise skeletonized remains. We found that brains of this type persist on time scales exceeding those preserved by other means, which suggests an unknown mechanism may be responsible for preservation particular to the central nervous system. The untapped archive of preserved ancient brains represents an opportunity for bioarchaeological studies of human evolution, health and disease.

Spatial ecological gradients and non-equilibrium niche construction dynamics in the Levantine Middle-Upper Palaeolithic transition

This article revisits the Middle-Upper Palaeolithic (MP-UP) transition in the Levant (ca. 50–40 kiloanni calibrated before present, hereafter ka), explored here as a key case of spatially and temporally multiscalar niche construction and biocultural adaptation in recent human evolution. New chronometric and palaeogenomic data provide an opportunity to reconsider what actually changed in the MP-UP transition, not only in terms of Neanderthal-anatomically modern human (AMH) population turnover and biological adaptation, but also culturally transmitted technologies and cultural institutions that mediated interrelated changes in mobility and social-network connectivity. High-resolution satellite data on environmental variability, simulation studies of hunter-gatherer demographic fluctuations, and cross-cultural data on hunter-gatherer population density and social organization are evaluated to model baseline constraints and possibilities for long-term biocultural adaptation and niche construction in the region, across the Middle and Late Pleistocene more broadly (ca. 780–12 ka). This exploration adds theoretical support to a view of the MP-UP transition as evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, offering new avenues of inquiry about how shorter-term, local behavioural responses were affected by and—in turn—had ripple effects on geographically more widespread, longer-term trends involving intergenerational demographic dynamics, centennial or millennial-scale population turnovers, and major long-term technological shifts.

The Pleistocene high-elevation environments between 2.02 and 0.6 Ma at Melka Kunture (Upper Awash Valley, Ethiopia) based upon stable isotope analysis

Pleistocene environments are among the most studied issues in paleoecology and human evolution research in eastern Africa. Many data have been recorded from archaeological sites located at low and medium elevations (≤ 1500 m), whereas few contexts are known at 2000 m and above. Here, we present a substantial isotopic study from Melka Kunture, a complex of prehistoric sites located at 2000—2200 m above sea level in the central Ethiopian highlands. We analyzed the stable carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of 308 faunal tooth enamel samples from sites dated between 2.02 and 0.6 Ma to investigate the animal diets and habitats. The carbon isotopic results indicate that the analyzed taxa had C4-dominated and mixed C3-C4 diets with no significant diachronic changes in feeding behavior with time. This is consistent with faunal and phytolith analyses, which suggested environments characterized by open grasslands (with both C3 and C4 grasses), patches of bushes and thickets, and aquatic vegetation. However, palynological data previously documented mountain forests, woodlands, and high-elevation grasslands. Additionally, the carbon isotopic comparison with other eastern African localities shows that differences in elevation did not influence animal feeding strategies and habitat partitioning, even though plant species vary according to altitudinal gradients. In contrast, the oxygen isotopic comparison suggests significant differences consistent with the altitude effect. Our approach allows us to detect diverse aspects of animal behavior, habitat, and vegetation that should be considered when reconstructing past environments.

EDITORIAL

The February issue of Al-Burhan journal commences with an illuminating exploration into the profound realm of Maqāṣid al-Qur’ān. This meticulous analysis unveils the inherent noble goals of preservation, justice, compassion, and knowledge within the Quranic framework. By adeptly integrating expert insights and diverse methodologies, the study not only sheds light on the nuanced understanding of Maqāṣid but also accentuates its enduring relevance across varied contexts and epochs. It eloquently advocates for a just and compassionate way of life rooted in Islamic principles, fostering harmony among diverse communities, while poignantly emphasising the Qur’ān’s profound significance as a timeless source of divine wisdom.&#x0D; The subsequent article ventures into an examination of critical thinking from a Quranic perspective, highlighting the deficiencies in conventional education systems. It stresses the imperative of integrating ethical, moral, and spiritual dimensions into traditional frameworks, recognising knowledge beyond the empirical. Drawing parallels between Quranic teachings and Western models, the research aims to promote a comprehensive approach to critical thinking. By prioritising moral and spiritual growth alongside technical skills, it challenges prevailing educational paradigms and advocates for holistic development.&#x0D; Understanding the communication methods of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) holds paramount importance for both Muslims and non-Muslims seeking to emulate his sunnah. Through a comprehensive archival study of ahadeeth in Sahih Al-Bukhari, the subsequent article unveils quantitative insights into the verbal and nonverbal communicative elements employed by the Prophet. This research provides valuable insights into Prophet Mohammad's communicative example, guiding successful messaging and adherence to his Sunnah.&#x0D; The halal certification process undergoes a thorough analysis in the fourth article, utilizing Quranic verses and Shariah principles as guiding benchmarks. By focusing on legislation, practicality, harm elimination, and positive impact, the research evaluates market leaders across various sectors. It emphasises the necessity of incorporating Shariah principles in understanding customer demand, especially in sectors such as processed food and clothing. Ultimately, the research aims to foster economic and social growth through the production and consumption of more halal products and services.&#x0D; The fifth article delves into the importance of applied research in driving societal change, particularly in addressing pressing issues such as food shortages exacerbated by population growth. Despite the absence of explicit mention in the Qur’an, the study adeptly demonstrates the relevance of applied research in enhancing agricultural productivity. Through illuminating examples from diverse contexts, the research highlights the indispensable role of applied research in addressing societal issues and fostering tangible positive transformations.&#x0D; A nuanced exploration of human evolution from an Islamic standpoint is presented in the sixth article, navigating the tensions between scientific theories and religious beliefs. By highlighting the centrality of mankind's creation in Islamic theology and contrasting it with evolutionary concepts, the article prompts critical reflection and scholarly inquiry. It highlights the importance of a thorough understanding of both Islamic teachings and biological evidence in addressing this contentious issue.&#x0D; The seventh article offers a comprehensive examination of women's political engagement in Iraq post-2003, shedding light on their significant strides despite facing numerous challenges. Through historical, descriptive, and political analysis, the text underscores the noteworthy involvement of Iraqi women in governmental and parliamentary roles, showcasing their ongoing efforts to promote progress within the political system.&#x0D; Moving to the first Arabic article in this issue, the study meticulously examines the foundational principles of political authority in Islam. It highlights the consensus among Islamic scholars regarding the state's role in ensuring the welfare and happiness of citizens, emphasizing justice, trustworthiness, truth, and freedom in political governance.&#x0D; The ninth article addresses the humanity of individuals in their interactions with people of diverse faiths, emphasizing humane relations devoid of violence, extremism, and selfishness. By illuminating the Prophet's (SAW) interactions with non-Muslims, the research seeks to promote justice and generosity that transcend religious, sectarian, societal, and cultural boundaries.&#x0D; Finally, the insightful study delves into the religious dimension of the African identity crisis, examining the resistance against Western colonization in West African countries. Through a theoretical framework grounded in historical sources, the research underscores the enduring influence of figures who resisted colonial encroachment, preserving Islam's significance in Gambian society.&#x0D; In summary, the February edition presents an array of scholarly contributions that meticulously examine various facets of Islamic thought, historical narratives, and contemporary challenges, all deeply rooted in the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah. These articles collectively enrich the understanding while fostering rigorous discourse, transcending the confines of academia to engage a broader audience.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Nurul Jannah Zainan Nazri&#x0D; Editor&#x0D; Al-Burhan Journal of Qur’an and Sunnah Studies&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Multiproxy evidence for environmental stability in the Lesser Caucasus during the Late Pleistocene

The Lesser Caucasus, situated between Asia and Europe, has long been recognised as a key region for the study of human evolution in terms of the timing and routes of dispersal, as well as, ecological adaptations. In particular, scholars have argued whether stable environments persisted in the region throughout the last glaciation, serving as a refugium for temperate biota, likely attracting human settlement and use. Here, we present the results of a multidisciplinary study of Karin Tak Cave, which contains sediments that accumulated between 48,000 and 24,000 cal yr BP. We examined biostratigraphic changes at the site by looking at the composition of fauna, which we hypothesise to be naturally accumulated, in different stratigraphic phases using traditional zooarchaeological approaches combined with collagen fingerprinting (ZooMS, Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry). To gain further insights into regional palaeoenvironmental conditions, we also applied stable carbon and oxygen isotope analyses to faunal tooth enamel. The obtained results suggest that the onset of the last glaciation did not cause dramatic changes in regional environments, indicating that the Lesser Caucasus was a climatically and ecologically stable region despite significant global climatic changes during this period.

Can women hunt? Yes. Did women contribute much to human evolution through endurance hunting? Probably not.

Can women hunt? Yes. Did women contribute much to human evolution through endurance hunting? Probably not.

Multi-omics profiling reveals an extensive regulation network shift in the domestication process of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Rehmannia glutinosa Liboschitz (Orobanchaceae)

Plant domestication plays a vital role in human evolution and society development. Contrasted to the major crops, the domesticated procedure of medicinal herbs remains largely unknown. Here we analyzed the epigenomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic profiling of three wild and nine cultivated samples of Dihuang (Rehmannia glutinosa Liboschitz), a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herb, to elucidate the genetic differentiation and regulation mechanism during domestication. The results unraveled that tremendous differentiation existed among wild and cultivated types from genomes to metabolites. The cultivars presented significantly more methylated sites than the wild type and conjoint analyses indicated that hypermethylation of key genes was generally related to their down-regulated expressions and up-regulated metabolites in the pathways of monoterpenoid biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism involved in main components production and tuberous root enlargement. We also identified the key gene related to plant circadian rhythms and potential adaptation in the domestication of Dihuang. This work unveiled the systematic transformation from wild to cultivated Dihuang and provides new insights into the regulatory networks of genetic architectures, benefiting germplasm collection, cultivation, and utilization in the future.

Response to “Can women hunt? Yes, did women contribute much to human evolution through endurance hunting? Probably not.”

Response to “Can women hunt? Yes, did women contribute much to human evolution through endurance hunting? Probably not.”

Reconsidering the link between past material culture and cognition in light of contemporary hunter-gatherer material use.

Many have interpreted symbolic material culture in the deep past as evidencing the origins sophisticated, modern cognition. Scholars from across the behavioural and cognitive sciences, including linguists, psychologists, philosophers, neuroscientists, primatologists, archaeologists and paleoanthropologists have used such artefacts to assess the capacities of extinct human species, and to set benchmarks, milestones or otherwise chart the course of human cognitive evolution. To better calibrate our expectations, the present paper instead explores the material culture of three contemporary African forager groups. Results show that, while these groups are unequivocally behaviourally modern, they would leave scant long-lasting evidence of symbolic behaviour. Artefact-sets are typically small, perhaps as consequence of residential mobility. When excluding traded materials, few artefacts have components with moderate-strong taphonomic signatures. Present analyses show that artefact function influences preservation probability, such that utilitarian tools for the processing of materials and the preparation of food are disproportionately likely to contain archaeologically traceable components. There are substantial differences in material-use between populations, which create important population-level variation preservation probability independent of cognitive differences. I discuss the factors - cultural, ecological and practical - that influence material choice. In so doing, I highlight the difficulties of using past material culture as an evolutionary or cognitive yardstick.

Brain Organoids, the Path Forward?

Brain Organoids, the Path Forward?

The influence of multiple variables on bipedal context in wild chimpanzees: implications for the evolution of bipedality in hominins

Investigations into the role of selection in the origin of human bipedalism using ape models have relied heavily on behavioral frequency data. However, analysis of video of wild apes has the advantage of capturing the details of the entirety of each rare, brief bipedal bout witnessed, not just the moment detected in observational studies. We used video to explore the behavioral context and effects of several variables on bipedalism across all ages in wild forest-dwelling chimpanzees from Ngogo, Uganda. We found, as in earlier studies, that adult chimpanzees used bipedalism in the context of foraging; however, unlike earlier studies, we found that while foraging was the predominant behavioral context during arboreal bipedalism, terrestrial bipedalism was more varied in contextual composition. We also found that these different behavioral contexts of bipedalism were associated with different variables. Specifically, foraging was associated with arboreality, hand assistance, and adulthood; antagonism was associated with adulthood, locomotion, and males; play was associated with terrestriality and subadulthood; and travel was associated with locomotion and females. Given that several variables influence bipedalism across multiple behavioral contexts in chimpanzees, it is likely that the early evolution of human bipedalism occurred under the influence of numerous factors. This exploratory study thus suggests that more comprehensive models should be used when reconstructing the transition to bipedalism from the Last Common Ancestor of humans and chimpanzees.

The Literature Review Analysis of The Human Resources Development in The Industry Era 4.0 Towards The Era of society 5.0

Since the beginning of the First Industrial Revolution (Industry 1.0), humans have realized the potential of technology as a tool for sustainable progress from time to time. During the Second Industrial Revolution (Industry 2.0), manufacturers began to switch to using electricity for assembly lines and mass production, which started in the 1870s. Then, with the application of electronic and information technology (IT), the concept of automation in the manufacturing industry was introduced during the Third Industrial Revolution (Industry 3.0) in the 1970s. In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), the rapid progress of digital technology has changed the industrial world significantly, giving birth to what is called Industry 4.0. At this time human nature is increasingly complex in adapting to rapid change. However, along with advances in technology, new challenges have emerged in managing human resources effectively. Along with the Industrial Revolution, a new concept emerged known as Society 5.0, which encourages the integration of technology and social life outside of society. In the Society 5.0 era, society is expected to be able to quickly adapt to technological advances while maintaining human dignity in their professional lives. Therefore, it is important to understand how human evolution can adapt to this new paradigm. This research aims to explore the development of human resources in the context of the transition from Industry 4.0 to Society 5.0. This research uses the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) research method, which explores the development of human resources in facing the era of society 5.0, which is then prepared as a basis for determining strategic management of human resources using the PRISMA pattern. The research results show that there are implications for human resource management, organizational leadership, and job development in facing the challenges of Industry 4.0 and maximizing the opportunities provided by Society 5.0.

Current evidence indicates a Eurasian origin for the Last Common Ancestor of African apes and humans, and supports a new hypothesis suggesting that the Zanclean Megaflood (5.3 Ma) may have played a role in the ultimate divergence of Pan and Homo.

While the established paradigm of human evolution asserts that the lineages leading to the extant great apes and Homo arose in Africa, the large number of fossil discoveries from Europe in recent decades support arguments for a European origin of the Hominidae (all great apes) and plausibly, also a European common ancestor of the Homininae (African great apes, Australopithecus species, and the genus Homo). Meanwhile, a lack of consensus remains regarding the phylogenetic placement of australopithecine fossil species in Africa, with substantial evidence indicating that some of them may align more closely to extant African great apes than to Homo. Based on a novel interpretation of existing fossil, genetic, paleogeographic and paleoclimatic evidence, this paper aims to put forward a new hypothesis regarding the separate divergences of Gorilla, Pan, and Homo. We support existing arguments that the last common ancestor of African great apes and Homo may have lived in Europe in the late Miocene, and we put forward a new hypothesis as to where, when, and why the separate lineages may have started to diverge. Extreme conditions during the Vallesian Crisis (11.6-8.0 Ma) and the Messinian Salinity Crisis (6.0-5.3 Ma) may have forced separate branches of European hominids to migrate out of the Mediterranean region. We argue that the lineages leading to Gorilla and Pan independently migrated into Africa, while the lineage leading to Homo went in another direction. Thereafter, the Zanclean Megaflood (5.3 Ma)--which caused the Mediterranean to refill very quickly--may have cut off the migration route between Eurasia and Africa at the Sinai Peninsula, isolating a small population (the putative Homo lineage) on the Arabian Peninsula / Red Sea coast during a period of hyperaridity. The other group (Pan lineage) crossed into Africa, where it subsequently diversified into various species of Australopithecus.

Life as Aftermath: Social Theory for an Age of Anthropogenic Biology

Anthropogenic pressures now shape the development, interrelations, and evolution of microbes, plants, animals, and humans. In an age of oxidative stress and failures of DNA repair, cytokine storms and microbial dysbiosis, social scientific theory stutters in the face of biological consequences of forces it masterfully detailed, from biopower to looping kinds. Concepts of the fallibility of knowledge from the unanticipated consequence to the wicked problem are too generic to fathom the nature of the living within reconfigured biotic-abiotic relations in the aftermath of industrialization. Working through examples—genetic modification in weed control, and solvents in cryobiology—this paper offers a novel analytic for anthropogenic biology specific to the relations between knowledge and life in the wake of the industrial twentieth century: a novel patterning of living matter and process from the molecular to the ecological arising with forms of biological control. Changes in pathogens and hosts, targets and bystanders are specific to the form of control but not anticipated by it, illegible within its originating logics. Hubris gone moldy, anthropogenic biology grows from forms of power that overestimate the comprehensiveness of their own efficacy, mistaking the ability to temporarily control living things for full knowledge of them.

What Does It Mean to Be Human Today?

With the progress of artificial intelligence, the digitalization of the lifeworld, and the reduction of the mind to neuronal processes, the human being appears more and more as a product of data and algorithms. Thus, we conceive ourselves "in the image of our machines," and conversely, we elevate our machines and our brains to new subjects. At the same time, demands for an enhancement of human nature culminate in transhumanist visions of taking human evolution to a new stage. Against this self-reification of the human being, the present book defends a humanism of embodiment: our corporeality, vitality, and embodied freedom are the foundations of a self-determined existence, which uses the new technologies only as means instead of submitting to them. The book offers an array of interventions directed against a reductionist naturalism in various areas of science and society. As an alternative, it offers an embodied and enactive account of the human person: we are neither pure minds nor brains, but primarily embodied, living beings in relation with others. This general concept is applied to issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), transhumanism and enhancement, virtual reality, neuroscience, embodied freedom, psychiatry, and finally to the accelerating dynamics of current society which lead to an increasing disembodiment of our everyday life. The book thus applies cutting-edge concepts of embodiment and enactivism to current scientific, technological, and cultural tendencies that will crucially influence our society's development in the twenty-first century.