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Short Wave

Stone Age To Bone Age?

Mar 7, 2025
Discover how a groundbreaking archaeological find reveals early humans in eastern Africa were using animal bones for tool-making a million years earlier than expected. This insight hints at cognitive advancements in our ancestors. The podcast also explores futuristic concepts like experiencing taste in virtual reality and the innovative e-taste device that could revolutionize dining. Plus, learn about the unique woolly devil flower and its fight against drought. It's a fascinating blend of history, science, and technology!
08:27

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Early humans in Eastern Africa were crafting tools from animal bones 1.5 million years ago, indicating significant cognitive advancements.
  • The discovery suggests that ancient humans creatively adapted their stone tool-making skills to new materials, illustrating resourcefulness and ingenuity.

Deep dives

Early Humans and Bone Tools

Archaeologists have discovered that early humans, specifically in Eastern Africa, crafted tools from bone 1.5 million years ago, marking a significant advancement beyond previously known stone tools. This finding suggests that these ancient humans possessed cognitive abilities akin to modern humans, as they likely utilized mental imagery to replicate tools from their experiences with stone crafting. The research indicates that these innovators adapted their existing knowledge to work with new materials, demonstrating creativity and resourcefulness. Despite the groundbreaking nature of this discovery, questions remain about the timeline and further potential finds of even older bone tools.

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