Countdowns
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10 fascinating discoveries about Neanderthals in 2024, from 'Thorin' the last Neanderthal to an ancient glue factory
By Kristina Killgrove published
This year, we learned that our Neanderthal cousins were a lot like us, despite treading their own path that ended in extinction.

9 of the most 'genetically isolated' human populations in the world
By Kristina Killgrove published
Geographical barriers and cultural differences can prevent people from mingling with their neighbors, leading to genetic isolation — and the phenomenon is more common than most people think.

22 inventions that changed the world
By Natalie Wolchover, Jessica Leggett last updated
From the wheel 5,500 years ago to the birth control pill, these 20 inventions had huge ramifications and have helped humans shape the world around us.

38 best science books for kids and young adults
By Ben Biggs last updated
Looking to inspire the next generation of curious minds? These are our picks of the best popular science books for children of all ages.

Body parts grown in the lab
By Mindy Weisberger, Emily Cooke last updated
In recent years, scientists have successfully grown a range of miniature organs and human body parts in the lab.

12 strange reasons humans haven't found alien life yet
By Brandon Specktor published
Scientists have been searching for evidence of extraterrestrial life for decades. So, where are all the aliens? Here are 12 intriguing theories ...

From 'Lucy' to the 'Hobbits': The most famous fossils of human relatives
By Kristina Killgrove published
Countdown Lucy may be the best-known prehuman fossil in the world. But other famous fossils have given us important insight into our evolutionary history.

7 centuries-old suits of battle armor from around the world
By Tom Metcalfe published
Countdown From Roman "fish scale" armor to Japanese samurai suits, these examples of battle armor were designed to protect and impress.
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