In the News: A New Member of the Family

Fig.1. Left and right view of a hand of Homo naledi, a recently discovered species of extinct hominin found in South Africa (Credit: Lee Roger Berger research team, 2015)

From bones hidden in the depths of a South African cave to century-old mold, these scientific discoveries change our understanding of human evolution and disease. Read to learn more about a new hominin, trade and caffeine, tracking diseases, and more:

• A treasure trove hidden in a South African cave may rewrite human evolution: “This Face Changes The Human Story. But How?” National Geographic (10 September 2015)

• Coffee may be a way of life in the modern world, but a recent find shows that caffeinated beverages are key to understanding ancient trade in Mesoamerica: “1,000 Years Ago, Caffeinated Drinks Had Native Americans Buzzing,” NPR (08 September 2015)

• How much would you pay for a cure? This pricey mold is one of the greatest medical discoveries in history: “Fleming’s Original Penicillin Culture Sold At Auction,” Scientific American (18 August 2015)

• Although mayonnaise may only be a recent treatment for lice, bug-ridden hair has been around since pre-hominids walked the Earth. These recently discovered combs shed light on ancient culture and disease response: “Oldest Lice Combs In The Americas Discovered,” Scientific American (20 August 2015)

• To fight an emerging infectious disease, these scientists went around the world searching for what made this virus tick. What they found may lead to a much needed vaccine: “A Single Protein Is The Root Of Dengue’s Virulence,” Smithsonian Magazine (09 September 2015)