Blog articles
Why anthropologists rejected the aquatic ape theory
Human ancestors did not evolve in an aquatic environment. But they did make use of coastal and shoreline resources where they were abundant.
Research highlight: The limbs of Homo naledi
In a new paper, Sarah Traynor, David Green and I show that the sizes of the arm bones of Homo naledi are more or less like today's humans, despite their many morphological adaptations to climbing.
When did humankind's last common ancestor live? A surprisingly short time ago
The lines of genealogy of living people converge quickly into the past. Our last genealogical common ancestor lived within the last few thousand years.
Kabwe: A famous fossil unearthed amid the human costs of mining
Mining led to the skull's discovery, destroyed its context, and left a century-long legacy of lead poisoning.
Research highlight: Taking human origins research into the next decade
Notes on the recent history of paleoanthropology from my Distinguished Lecture for the General Anthropology Division of the American Anthropological Association
Research highlight: Pelvic fragment from the Lesedi Chamber
A new paper from our team led by Zachary Cofran looks at the immature ilium that is currently the most complete pelvic fragment of Homo naledi.
Why I moved to Ghost instead of Substack
As I analyzed how people find and read my work, I understood that my combination of needs would take a more customizable solution.
Research highlight: Mandibles from Malapa
My research with Lee Berger looking at the variation of the mandibular ramus of Australopithecus sediba.
Research highlight: Strategizing public-facing work within an academic career
In a collaborative article with Kimberleigh Tommy, we examine the challenges facing researchers who work with the public.
Lecture: Are we the last Neanderthals?
At this event, I shared new insights about the humanity of our extinct human relatives.
