Subscribe now
New Scientist Default Image

Humans

A revolution in archaeology, anthropology and palaeogenetics is underway, upending our understanding of the 300,000-year history of our species, Homo sapiens, and the evolution of our ancient hominin ancestors and relatives. Unravel the mysteries of human evolution and what it means to be human today with our in-depth analysis and coverage.
Sign up to our newsletter

Humans

The 2023 discoveries that made us rethink the story of human evolution

In 2023, archaeologists found evidence of architecture and art beginning earlier than we thought, and uncovered data that rewrites our ideas of how much power women had in ancient societies

News

Free

Humans

Test your brain with this fiendish set of museum-themed puzzles

Features

Subscriber-only

Question mark of gifts on a green background. The question of what to present for the new year. The concept of what to choose a gift.; Shutterstock ID 768612346; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Humans

What makes the best sounding didgeridoo, according to science

News

Subscriber-only

A man playing a digeridoo
The US needs to do more to preserve its ancient sites

Humans

The US needs to do more to preserve its ancient sites

Comment

Subscriber-only

Stonehenge science: How archaeology reveals the stone circle's secrets

Video

Stonehenge science: How archaeology reveals the stone circle's secrets

Video

Free

recreational marijuana with gummy bears on a pink background; Shutterstock ID 1649008399; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Humans

Vaping vs edibles: How does the way we use cannabis alter its effects?

News

Subscriber-only

Humans

Traces of cannabis found in pre-modern human bones for the first time

News

Free

Users may feel cannabis boosts their creativity

Humans

People feel more creative after using cannabis – they aren't

News

Subscriber-only

Humans

Did Homo naledi bury its dead? Debate rages over human relative

News

Subscriber-only

Not to be used in museums, exhibitions, or articles about Elisabeth Daynes or the Atelier Daynes. No use in any context outside of mainstream science without the express permission of Atelier Daynes. Front covers or private use require clearance. Mandatory credit. Paranthropus boisei model. Reconstruction of a specimen of Paranthropus boisei. This hominin, which is sometimes classified as Australopithecus boisei, lived from 2.3 to 1.2 million years ago in eastern Africa. P. boisei is one of several extinct species that form an early part of the human evolutionary tree. Reconstruction by Elisabeth Daynes of the Daynes Studio, Paris, France. MANDATORY CREDIT.

Humans

How did Paranthropus, the last of the ape-people, survive for so long?

Paranthropus was an ape-like hominin that lived on in a world dominated by big-brained early humans. Recent archaeological discoveries, like stone tools, are revealing how they lived

Features

Subscriber-only

Humans

Why so many prehistoric monuments were painted red

News

Subscriber-only

RGAJ63 Caveman painting in a cave

Humans

How archaeologists can decide if prehistoric artefacts count as art

Leader

Subscriber-only

The Makapansgat pebble is seen on display as part of the exhibition "South Africa: the Art of a Nation", at the British Museum in London, Britain November 25, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Heavens FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY - LR1ECBP1AXUYC

Humans

The archaeological finds that show art is far older than our species

Features

Subscriber-only

An elderly woman participates in a Marijuana liberation march in Poland

Humans

Cannabis use is on the rise in the US – except among younger teens

News

Free