Decades ago, anthropologists dispelled the myth of biological race. Lagging behind in scientific understandings of human diversity, the medical profession…
People Are Not Peas—Why Genetics Education Needs an OverhaulThe decades out-of-date genetics taught in most U.S. schools stokes misconceptions about race and human diversity. A biological anthropologist calls…
Can Ancient DNA Support Indigenous Histories?A biological anthropologist reflects on how scientific research can be used to reaffirm or undermine Indigenous land ties in Argentina.…
Celebrity Status Almost Ruined Ancient DNA ResearchAn evolutionary anthropologist draws lessons from paleogenetic’s journey from Jurassic Park fiction to Nobel Prize reality. ✽ The morning of…
Gene Therapy’s Promise Meets Nigeria’s Sickle Cell RealityBreakthrough treatments can now cure sickle cell anemia in the U.S. But the pricey therapies will hardly help in Nigeria,…
Decoding Diversity and Power at Machu PicchuNew DNA analysis has revealed surprising diversity among remains from burial sites in Peru. A genetic anthropologist explains what this…
The Hidden Ancestry Extracted From an Ancient PendantAn anthropologist explains how new forensics tools offer unprecedented answers to questions about who likely held or wore Stone Age…
Navigating the Ethics of Ancient DNA ResearchPaleogenomic research has expanded rapidly over the past two decades, igniting heated debates about handling human remains. Who gives consent…
Did Humanity Really Arise in One Place?New evidence is prompting researchers to rethink Homo sapiens’ origin story—and what it means to be human. ✽ As a…
Is a “Sweet Tooth” Genetic?An anthropologist explains the evolutionary origins of why so many people seem practically programmed to love sugar. This article was…