Why our brain uses up more energy than that of any other animal
19 May 2023
Our brain's high energy demands, particularly in certain key areas, may have enabled us to evolve uniquely advanced cognitive traits
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Premium
Humans were kissing at least 4500 years ago, reveal ancient texts
18 May 2023
Many sources claim sexual kissing spread worldwide from South Asia 3500 years ago, but there is evidence it was practised in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt much earlier than that
Stone Age blueprints are the oldest architectural plans ever found
17 May 2023
Plans etched into stone tablets depict vast hunting traps called desert kites built 9000 years ago, showing a mastery of geometry long before the invention of writing
What is longtermism and why do its critics think it is dangerous?
10 May 2023
Longtermism is an increasingly influential branch of moral philosophy. At its most extreme, it can justify ignoring problems like homelessness and climate change – but other versions are available
The mental tricks you can use in your lifelong pursuit of happiness
10 May 2023
Evidence-based tweaks to the way you think about your day are the secret of how to be happy over the course of your life
Your saliva may determine which types of wine you prefer
5 May 2023
People from Chinese or Western backgrounds reported having different tastes in wines, which may partly come down to the concentrations of their salivary proteins
DNA from 25,000-year-old tooth pendant reveals woman who wore it
3 May 2023
A new technique for extracting DNA from ancient artefacts without destroying them could give us unprecedented insights about the people who made or wore them
People in China are the least likely to report being left-handed
19 April 2023
In some countries, including China, people are more likely to report being right handed if they are educated beyond secondary school level or live in a country where there may be a stigma around left-handedness
What is really going on when we microwave our food?
19 April 2023
Sam Wong digs into the science of microwaves, dispelling some common myths – and makes a tasty mug cake in just a few minutes
Can we ever know who invented the wheel?
14 April 2023
Some of the most important inventions – wheels, nets and the written word – have creators lost to time, even though their impact shaped the world we live in
