New Scientist Podcasts
Weekly: Thorin and the lost Neanderthals; Fish that use mirrors; SpaceX’s spacewalk
Sep 13, 2024
In this conversation with Thorin, a Neanderthal skeleton discovered in France, we learn about his significance as one of the last of his kind, providing insights into a previously unknown lineage that thrived in isolation for 50,000 years. Thorin discusses remarkable findings on animal intelligence, highlighting how fish can use mirrors to assess their size before choosing to fight. Additionally, listeners are captivated by the first civilian spacewalk conducted by private astronauts and new discoveries about Martian clouds, enriching our understanding of space exploration.
30:53
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Quick takeaways
- The discovery of the Neanderthal named Thorin highlights the consequences of long-term isolation on genetic stability and extinction risk.
- Attribution science is revolutionizing our understanding of extreme weather events by linking climate change to their specific impacts on severity.
Deep dives
Discovery of a Lost Neanderthal Tribe
A recently discovered Neanderthal skeleton in France has revealed a previously unknown lineage that remained in isolation for over 50,000 years. The individual, named Thorin, is thought to be one of the last members of this isolated group, which did not intermingle with other Neanderthals. Genetic sequencing indicated that Thorin's lineage diverged about 100,000 years ago, suggesting a long period of genetic stability and social isolation. This isolation likely contributed to their inability to adapt to changing conditions, making them more susceptible to extinction.
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