Archaeologists from Lomonosov Moscow State University analyzed 171 bone and ivory objects from the Sungir site, revealing that modern humans 30,000 years ago had developed complex techniques for processing hard materials. The findings, published by the Hugo Obermaier Society, offer insights into the daily life and cultural ties of early modern humans in Russia and Europe.

A study published in The Lancet has highlighted the significant disparities in healthcare and education access for indigenous communities worldwide. The research, led by Ian Anderson of the University of Melbourne, assessed the conditions of indigenous groups in 23 countries and found that they consistently have lower life expectancy, educational attainment, and higher rates of child malnutrition and maternal deaths compared to non-indigenous populations. The study points out that these issues persist in both wealthy and poor nations and contribute to a cycle of poverty and ill health. Leonor Pocaterra from the Central University of Venezuela emphasizes the need for services that cater specifically to indigenous peoples' needs, including language and cultural considerations. The study calls for targeted health and education initiatives to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

The article discusses the origin of the modern peanut, Arachis hypogaea, which has been traced back to South America, specifically Bolivia. Researchers from The University of Georgia and the International Peanut Genome Initiative discovered that the modern peanut is a hybrid of two ancient Andean species, Arachis duranensis and Arachis ipaensis. The latter was thought to be extinct but was found in the Bolivian Andes. The study, led by David Bertioli and published in Nature Genetics, used molecular clock techniques to determine the hybridization event occurred around 10,000 years ago. The research also highlights the potential for using the peanut genome to develop more disease-resistant and nutritious peanut varieties, which could be particularly beneficial for regions suffering from malnutrition. The article also touches on the nutritional benefits of peanuts, comparing them to other nuts and noting their cost-effectiveness, as highlighted by Meir Stampfer's study published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

A recent study published in The Auk: Ornithological Advances suggests that songbirds accumulate extra fat reserves during spring migration to support the energy demands of breeding. Mark Deutschlander, a biologist at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and co-author of the study, along with lead graduate student Jennalee Holzschuh, analyzed data from 12 warbler species collected at the Braddock Bay Bird Observatory in New York. The findings indicate that female warblers, especially Blackpoll Warblers, carry more fat than males, likely due to the higher energy cost of producing eggs. The study also found that birds arriving later in the breeding season had more energy reserves, challenging the idea that fat is stored as a contingency for early arrival when food might be scarce. The research highlights the importance of fat reserves for breeding activities such as territory defense and egg production.

The article discusses the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials for HIV treatments, despite the virus affecting both genders almost equally. A systematic review in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, which analyzed 544 studies from PubMed, found that women constituted only a small percentage of participants in various HIV-related clinical trials. Mirjam Curno, the lead author of the study and a researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, highlights the importance of including women in adequate numbers to ensure the generalizability of research findings and to avoid potential harm. The article also notes that public trials have fewer women than private ones and emphasizes the need for enforcing gender parity mandates. Veronica Miller from the Forum for Collaborative HIV Research adds that greater inclusion of women in research can bring clinical and social benefits. The article is a version of a piece produced by SciDev.Net's Latin America & Caribbean desk.

NASA has partnered with the International Potato Center (CIP) in Peru to conduct an experiment to grow potatoes in Mars-like conditions. The experiment aims to explore the potential of potatoes as a food source for future Mars missions and to understand the impact of climate change on this crop on Earth. The study involves planting virus-resistant potato clones in soil from the Atacama Desert, which shares similarities with Martian soil. The project will also involve freezing and thawing potatoes to simulate the journey to Mars and growing potatoes in CubeSats to study their growth in a controlled, low-pressure environment. The research is expected to provide insights that could benefit Earth's agriculture, particularly in the face of global warming. The project also includes a collaborative effort with students and researchers from various universities to gather more data using CubeSats.

The article discusses the archaeological findings at Cerén, El Salvador, which challenge the traditional view of Mayan society being strictly controlled by elites. Discovered in 1976 by Payson Sheets from Colorado University, the site was preserved under volcanic ash from an eruption 1,400 years ago. Excavations led by Sheets and a team of US and El Salvador archaeologists revealed objects of daily life and evidence of social independence among Cerén's inhabitants. A road and diverse crop plantations suggest economic independence from the Mayan elite, while the presence of high-quality ceramics and jade axes indicates trade with elite communities. The findings at Cerén offer a new perspective on the Mayan civilization during the Classic Period, suggesting that not all aspects of society were under elite control. The researchers are seeking funding for further exploration to uncover more about the region's history.

The article discusses the mysterious outbreak of chronic kidney disease of non-traditional causes (CKDnT) that has killed over 20,000 farmers in Central America. Unlike typical chronic kidney disease, CKDnT affects younger individuals, often without prior symptoms, and is prevalent among those working in sugarcane or cotton plantations. Initial hypotheses attributing the disease to chemicals, pesticides, or heavy metals were dismissed. Recent research focuses on work environment factors, such as long hours in high temperatures, leading to excessive uric acid production and kidney damage. Studies by Dr. Ramón García-Trabanino and Richard Johnson suggest a link between heat exposure and CKDnT. Global warming's role in increasing extreme heat days is also considered. Preventative measures and early diagnosis are emphasized as cost-effective strategies. The article also mentions upcoming research efforts, including an international workshop in Costa Rica.

The article discusses the opening of Colombia's first-ever birdwatching route in the Colombian Caribbean, which aims to conserve endangered bird species and their habitats. The Northern Colombia Birding Trail spans nearly 50,000 acres across four key locations and is expected to boost local income by creating jobs for farmers and indigenous people trained as bird guides. The trail is a collaborative project between Audubon's International Alliances Program, Patrimonio Natural, and Calidris. The initiative is significant due to Colombia's diverse bird population, with more than 1,900 species, and the potential for eco-tourism to benefit local communities. The article also mentions the upcoming feature by Martha Harbison in Audubon's March-April issue.

Archaeological discoveries at Cerén in El Salvador, led by Payson Sheets from Colorado University at Boulder, challenge the long-held belief that the Mayan elite controlled all aspects of society. The site, preserved under volcanic ash, reveals evidence of social independence among its inhabitants, such as diverse crop management and access to fine goods without elite dominance. The findings suggest a more complex economic interaction between the Mayan elite and ordinary people, contradicting previous hypotheses about the Classic Period of Maya civilization.

Over 20,000 Central American farmers have died from a mysterious form of kidney disease, chronic kidney disease of non-traditional causes (CKDnT), which affects younger individuals working in agriculture, particularly in sugarcane or cotton plantations. Unlike typical chronic kidney disease, CKDnT progresses rapidly without early symptoms, leading to severe kidney damage by the time it is diagnosed. Research has ruled out chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals as causes, focusing instead on work-related factors such as long hours in high temperatures, which can lead to excessive uric acid production and kidney damage. Studies suggest a potential link between CKDnT and extreme heat, with global warming possibly playing a role. Preventative measures like regular breaks and proper hydration are recommended, and early diagnosis could significantly reduce treatment costs compared to dialysis.