While the magazine has closed, its living archive endures—open to all and preserving the many ideas, voices, and discoveries that deepen our understanding of what it means to be human.
Societies divide labor by gender and age. A biological anthropologist considers when and why this behavior arose. ✽ In his…
Bringing Back the World’s Most Endangered CatA social scientist goes behind the scenes at a breeding center in Portugal to explore the challenges and ethical dilemmas…
The Shortcomings of Height in PoliticsWhy is height a focal point for some politicians? An anthropologist explores the significance of height—explaining how cultural perceptions influence…
Smartphones Are Bicycles for Our MindsThe proliferation of smartphones is transforming basic structures of human existence, experience, and performance. How do these machines change what…
In Search of the First CyborgA Paleolithic archaeologist sets out on a journey in search of the first cyborg, making discoveries that end up very…
Tools of the Wild: Unveiling the Crafty Side of NatureOnce considered a uniquely human activity, tool use has been spotted across diverse species. It’s time to rethink what tools…
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,…
What Is “Natural” for Human Sexual Relationships?A biological and anthropological researcher explains how humans’ diverse ways of mating might have evolved. ✽ Marrying more than one…
Dismantling the “Man the Hunter” MythTwo biological anthropologists analyze archaeological and physiological evidence to debunk enduring assumptions about the gendered division of labor in ancient…
