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Ancient Lead Poisoning May Have Shaped Human Evolution
Researchers analyzed 51 fossil teeth from multiple continents revealing lead exposure in prehistoric hominids dating back 2 million years, suggesting evolutionary adaptation in modern humans.
- On October 15, a study published in Science Advances found lead exposure may have shaped human brains, behaviour and language, with fossils up to two million years old from Africa, Asia and Europe.
- Researchers note that lead exposure has long been framed as a modern problem tied to industrial sources, but ancient exposure came from natural sources like volcanic activity, wildfires, soils and groundwater, Southern Cross University analysis shows.
- Using 51 fossil teeth, the team applied high-precision laser-ablation geochemistry at Southern Cross University and Mount Sinai to detect distinctive lead bands in enamel and dentine.
- Organoid experiments reveal that brain organoids with Neanderthal genetics were more harmed by lead, while the modern NOVA1 gene variant may have improved survival and language, researchers report.
- Understanding this long exposure history reframes the modern problem as lead caused over 1.5 million deaths in 2021, and ongoing use in vehicle batteries, ceramics, and cosmetics demands public-health focus.
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Study finds ancient lead exposure shaped evolution of human brain
A new international study reveals exposure to the toxic metal lead happened much earlier than previously thought. In an article published in Science Advances, researchers have revealed our human ancestors were periodically exposed to lead for over 2 million years, and the toxic metal may have influenced the evolution of hominid brains, behavior and even the development of language.
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