Nature Podcast

Ancient DNA solves the mystery of who made a set of stone tools

Jan 31, 2024

New genetic analysis reveals that ancient stone tools found in northern Europe were made by Homo sapiens, challenging previous beliefs about who crafted them. The podcast also explores the evolution of mountain ranges without roots, the slow growth of neurons in the human brain, and the potential of gene therapy for treating deafness.

28:45

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Quick takeaways

The ancient stone tools known as the L-R-G assemblage found in Northern Europe were actually made by Homo sapiens and not Neanderthals, challenging previous assumptions about cultural transitions during that period.

Research has revealed that the slow growth rate of certain neurons in humans compared to other species is due to specific epigenetic changes, providing insights for studying diseases that affect mature neurons and potential avenues for accelerating neuron growth in the lab.

Deep dives

Understanding the Evolution of Hominins in Northern Europe

Paleontologists and archaeologists have been working for over a century to unravel the complex evolutionary history of hominins. This involves examining both artifacts like stone tools and the remains of the hominins themselves. A recent study focuses on a particular set of stone tools called the L-R-G assemblage found in Northern Europe. It was long believed that these tools were made by Neanderthals, but new evidence suggests that they were actually made by Homo sapiens, replacing the Neanderthals in the region. The study analyzed fossils and mitochondrial DNA from the L-R-G assemblage and found multiple pieces of human remains associated with the tools. This discovery provides insights into the dynamics of hominin populations in Europe and challenges previous assumptions about cultural transitions during that period.

Introduction

3min

The L-R-G Stone Tools: Unraveling the Neanderthal Connection

11min

Mountain Range Evolution and Ancient Roman Wine: Research Highlights

2min

The Slow Growth of Neurons: Epigenetic Factors and Development

9min

Gene Therapy Offers Potential Treatment for Deafness

5min

In this episode:

0:48 How hominins spread through Europe

Ancient stone tools are often uncovered in Europe, but it can be difficult to identify who crafted them, as Neanderthals and Homo sapiens coexisted in the region for several thousand years. The makers of one type of tool found in northern Europe has long puzzled researchers, but now through genetic analysis of nearby skeletal fragments, it has been revealed that they were made by Homo sapiens. The age of these tools suggests that modern humans were more widespread and adaptable to living in colder climates than previously thought.

Research article: Mylopotamitaki et al.

News and Views: Stone tools in northern Europe made by Homo sapiens 45,000 years ago