Can a Human Outrun a Horse? The Leakey Foundation 2025-08-28 | This is a story about sweat, survival, speed, and the peculiar ways running may have shaped us as humans. Armed with a hydration vest, a dream, and paleoanthropologist Daniel Lieberman’s endurance running hypothesis, filmmaker Nicole Teeny set out to push the limits of her own endurance. Nicole’s mission takes her from the Kalahari Desert to Kansas to see if humans really did evolve to run. Along the way, she discovers humans' unusual superpower and asks, can a human outrun a horse? This episode was written and produced by Nicole Teeny. Sound designed and produced by Ray Pang. Edited by Audrey Quinn. Our host and executive producer is Meredith Johnson. Want more of this story? Listen to Nicole's four-episode series on ESPN's 30 for 30 podcast! Support our show and the science we talk about! Until August 31, all donations to Origin Stories and The Leakey Foundation will be quadruple-matched by Leakey Foundation trustee Nina Carroll and the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation.
The Shanidar Cave Neanderthals The Leakey Foundation 2025-08-28 | Shanidar Cave is a unique archaeological site in Kurdistan where scientists found the remains of 10 Neanderthal men, women, and children. Some of these individuals had survived serious injuries, and one seemed to have been buried with flowers beneath his body. The discoveries at Shanidar challenged long-standing ideas of who Neanderthals were and what separates our species from theirs. Now, more than 50 years after the original excavations, scientists have returned to Shanidar to answer lingering questions about the Neanderthals who lived and died there.leakeyfoundation.orgLinks to learn moreThe Shanidar Cave Projectshanidarcaveproject.comRalph Solecki's excavationsshanidarcaveproject.com/previous-excavationsRalph S. and Rose L. and Solecki Papers at the Smithsonianhttps://sova.si.edu/record/naa.2016-29Shanidar Z: 75,000-year-old face revealedcam.ac.uk/stories/shanidar-z-face-revealedMore about Shanidar Zshanidarcaveproject.com/shanidar-zShanidar Cave locationgeohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Shanidar_Cave¶ms=36.831593_N_44.221083_E_type:landmarkNew Shanidar research on cookinghttp://cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/cooking-in-caves-palaeolithic-carbonised-plant-food-remains-from-franchthi-and-shanidar/0CB510C9E528CD7AD923469D78E14E42Revisiting the flower burialhttp://cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/cooking-in-caves-palaeolithic-carbonised-plant-food-remains-from-franchthi-and-shanidar/0CB510C9E528CD7AD923469D78E14E42Shanidar: The First Flower People (pdf of book by Ralph Solecki)archive.org/details/shanidarfirstflo00sole/page/n7/mode/2upSponsorsOrigin Stories is a project of The Leakey Foundation, a donor-supported nonprofit dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries to advance public understanding of science. This episode is generously sponsored by Dub and Ginny Crook. Dub and Ginny are long-time Leakey Foundation Fellows who directly support scientific research and science communication projects. They are passionate about human origins research and making science accessible for all. We are deeply grateful for their support.Origin Stories is listener-supported. Additional support comes from Jeanne Newman, the Anne and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund.CreditsThis episode was produced and written by Ray Pang and Meredith Johnson.Sound design by Ray Pang.Our editor is Audrey Quinn.Michael Gallagher helped record the interviews at Cambridge.Our theme music is by Henry Nagle with additional music by Blue Dot Sessions and Lee Roservere.
The Origin Story of Origin Stories Podcast - Audio Only The Leakey Foundation 2025-08-28 | After 10 years of exploring the stories behind breakthrough science, it's time to tell our own origin story! In this special anniversary episode, we're flipping the script to share how Origin Stories began. Join us behind the scenes, revisit three milestone episodes, and get an exciting update on the Punan Batu community's fight for their ancestral lands in Borneo. Here's to our listeners who've made this decade of science and storytelling possible, and to many more stories ahead. This episode was generously sponsored by Don Dana. Origin Stories is also sponsored by our community of listeners, along with Jeanne Newman, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund. Origin Stories is produced by Meredith Johnson and Ray Pang. Our editor is Audrey Quinn. Theme music by Henry Nagle. Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions and Lee Roservere.
Eastern Africas coastal forests and hominin origins | René Bobe The Leakey Foundation 2025-08-14 | The coastal forests of eastern Africa constitute a biodiversity hotspot, and may have played a central role in hominin origins. But the evolutionary history of this biogeographic realm remains poorly known because of a sparse fossil record. Here we present the first paleontological evidence of eastern Africa’s coastal forests and aim to answer the question: what role did these forests play in generating Africa’s biodiversity including the origin of our own clade, the Hominini? Our team has discovered a series of new fossil sites in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, which shed new light on African evolution during the Miocene epoch. The emerging fossil record from Gorongosa includes new mammalian species and a rich record of fossil plants. The evidence suggests that the relative isolation of the eastern regions acted as an engine of evolutionary change for millions of years.
Oral History: Kay Behrensmeyer Highlight The Leakey Foundation 2025-07-14 | This highlight provides insight into Kay Behrensmeyer’s work as a Senior Scientist in the Department of Paleobiology since 1981, focusing on the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems and biases in the fossil record through taphonomic studies in Amboseli National Park, Kenya, and fieldwork in the East African Rift Valley, including her discovery of early hominin stone tools at Lake Turkana.View the complete oral history here:youtu.be/DXyr9HApq_kThis oral history was produced by The Leakey FoundationSponsorsThe Ann and Gordon Getty FoundationCamilla and George SmithThe Joan and Arnold Travis Education FundThank youBernard WoodAlexis UluutkuEdited byEleanor Crookesleakeyfoundation.org
Kay Behrensmeyer: Oral History Snapshot The Leakey Foundation 2025-07-14 | This brief snapshot provides insight into Kay Behrensmeyer’s work as a Senior Scientist in the Department of Paleobiology since 1981, focusing on the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems and biases in the fossil record through taphonomic studies in Amboseli National Park, Kenya, and fieldwork in the East African Rift Valley, including her discovery of early hominin stone tools at Lake Turkana.View the complete oral history here:youtu.be/DXyr9HApq_kThis Leakey Foundation Oral History interview of Kay Behrensmeyer was conducted by Bernard A. Wood on 12/14/2022. This oral history was produced by The Leakey FoundationSponsorsThe Ann and Gordon Getty FoundationCamilla and George SmithThe Joan and Arnold Travis Education FundThank youBernard WoodAlexis UluutkuEdited byEleanor Crookesleakeyfoundation.org
Oral History: Kay Behrensmeyer The Leakey Foundation 2025-07-14 | Kay Behrensmeyer has been a Senior Scientist in the Department of Paleobiology at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History since 2009, with her career there beginning in 1981. Her research focuses on the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems and identifying biases in the fossil record, which she studies through modern taphonomic processes in Amboseli National Park, Kenya, and paleontological fieldwork in the East African Rift Valley System, including the discovery of early hominin stone tools at Lake Turkana.This Leakey Foundation Oral History interview of Kay Behrensmeyer was conducted by Bernard A. Wood on 12/14/2022. This oral history was produced by The Leakey FoundationSponsorsThe Ann and Gordon Getty FoundationCamilla and George SmithThe Joan and Arnold Travis Education FundThank youBernard WoodAlexis UluutkuEdited byEleanor Crookesleakeyfoundation.org
This Face Hasn’t Been Seen in 12 Million Years The Leakey Foundation 2025-06-20 | This face hasn’t been seen in 12 million years!Pierolapithecus catalaunicus is a primate fossil found in Spain, but the skull was shattered into tiny fragments. Thanks to high-res micro-CT scans, scientists finally pieced it back together. Led by Leakey Foundation grantee Dr. Kelsey Pugh, this work reveals where this species may fall on the great ape and human family tree…Support research like this through the link in our bio.Credits:Niba @notesbyniba: Producer, Host, WriterMeredith Johnson: Associate Producer, Script EditorInstitutions:American Museum of Natural HistoryCENIEHInstitut Català de Paleontologia (ICP)#fossils #scicomm #science #primatefossils #paleoanthropology
Chimpanzees Are Intuitive Engineers The Leakey Foundation 2025-06-10 | Chimpanzees in Tanzania aren’t just grabbing random twigs to go termite fishing — they’re selecting materials with exactly the right bendiness.Scientists found that the plants chimps prefer are up to 175% more flexible than those they ignore.This intuitive understanding of material properties — called “folk physics” — might reflect the earliest roots of human engineering.Support research like this through the link in our bio.Niba @notesbyniba: Producer, Host, Writeryoutube.com/@NotesByNibaMeredith Johnson: Associate Producer, Script EditorAuthors:Alejandra Pascual-Garrido: @RunnerApeSusana Carvalho: @carvalhoprimateEllen Schulz-Kornas: @EllenSchulzKAdam van Casteren: @AdamvanCInstitutions:Oxford: @oxford_anthroMax Planck: @MPI_EVA_LeipzigICArEHB: @ICArEHB#chimpanzees #toolmaking #scicomm #primates #science
How to Date a Fossil without Timestamps The Leakey Foundation 2025-05-04 | If we don’t know *when* fossils are from, we’re missing half the story.That’s why Georgina Luti is studying ancient cave environments in South Africa, training in isotope analysis, and preparing to compare fossil sites across Africa. Her research could redefine our understanding of human evolution.Follow to uncover more of our past!Georgina Luti @georginaluti: ScientistInstitution: @heri.uctNiba @notesbyniba: Host, Writeryoutube.com/@NotesByNibaMeredith Johnson: Producer, Script Editor#scicomm #fossils #science #archaeology #paleontology
Why This Researcher is Collecting Chimp Poop The Leakey Foundation 2025-05-03 | How do you tell one chimp from another? 🤔 For researcher Salmah Jombela, it's in the details—faces, calls, and even their silhouettes. Her work could reveal clues about chimp society and even human evolution.Support her research by donating through the link in our bio.Salmah Jombela @djomberasalmah: ScientistNiba @notesbyniba: Host, Writeryoutube.com/@NotesByNibaMeredith Johnson: Producer, Script Editor#conservation #chimpanzees #scicomm #wildliferesearch #science #nonprofit
What Fossilized Teeth Tell Us About Prehistoric Life The Leakey Foundation 2025-05-02 | Ancient teeth tell the story of a world in transition. Zoologist Everlyne Omondi is analyzing fossilized mammal teeth. Her work reveals how environmental changes shaped ecosystems millions of years ago—and why it matters today.Follow for more fossil science!#fossilhistory #paleontology #prehistoricanimals #humanoriginsEverlyne Omondi @eveposhy: ScientistNiba @notesbyniba: Host, WriterMeredith Johnson: Producer, Script EditorImage credits: Late Miocene Fossils from the Western Region (pp.17-21) Publisher: Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey #fossils #didyouknow #scicomm #evolution #science
Why Understanding Chimpanzee Movement Protects Their Future The Leakey Foundation 2025-05-01 | Chimpanzees are expert climbers and their movement patterns are key to their survival. Researcher Sharifah Namaganda is studying factors that affect chimp movement—key information for protecting their habitats.Support science like this through the link in our bio.Meredith Johnson: Producer, Script EditorNiba @notesbyniba: Host, Writeryoutube.com/@NotesByNiba#conservation #chimpanzees #scicomm #environment #science
What People Ate 10,000 Years Ago and Why It Matters The Leakey Foundation 2025-04-30 | How did people eat 10,000 years ago? Researcher Sylvia Wemanya is studying fossils and artifacts to understand how early humans fished, hunted, and cooked.This research shows the deep connection between humans and our environment—giving insights that still matter today!Niba @notesbyniba: Host, Writerwww.youtube.com/notesbyniba Meredith Johnson: Producer, Script Editor#foodhistory #history #scicomm #archaeology #science #didyouknow
Origin Stories Podcast: The Shanidar Cave Neanderthals AUDIO ONLY The Leakey Foundation 2025-04-29 | Shanidar Cave is a unique archaeological site in Kurdistan where scientists found the remains of 10 Neanderthal men, women, and children. Some of these individuals had survived serious injuries, and one seemed to have been buried with flowers beneath his body. The discoveries at Shanidar challenged long-standing ideas of who Neanderthals were and what separates our species from theirs. Now, more than 50 years after the original excavations, scientists have returned to Shanidar to answer lingering questions about the Neanderthals who lived and died there.SponsorsOrigin Stories is a project of The Leakey Foundation, a donor-supported nonprofit dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries to advance public understanding of science. This episode is generously sponsored by Dub and Ginny Crook. Dub and Ginny are long-time Leakey Foundation Fellows who directly support scientific research and science communication projects. They are passionate about human origins research and making science accessible for all. We are deeply grateful for their support.Origin Stories is listener-supported. Additional support comes from Jeanne Newman, the Anne and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund.CreditsThis episode was produced and written by Ray Pang and Meredith Johnson. Sound design by Ray Pang. Our editor is Audrey Quinn. Michael Gallagher helped record the interviews at Cambridge. Our theme music is by Henry Nagle with additional music by Blue Dot Sessions and Lee Roservere.
Why We Need Nature | Dr. Stuart Pimm The Leakey Foundation 2025-04-23 | World Renowned ecologist Dr. Stuart L. Pimm shares that spending time in nature isn’t just good for you — it’s crucial for the health of your mind and body. 🌱 🌸 @SavingNatureCheck out Dr. Pimm's Leakey Foundation TalksBiodiversity and Extinctionyoutube.com/watch?v=B5YsVnwYK3AStuart Pimm: Survival of the Golden Lion Tamarinyoutu.be/tm84TZUTiiA#conservation #scicomm #wildliferesearch #science #nonprofit
Survival of the Golden Lion Tamarin | Dr. Stuart L. Pimm The Leakey Foundation 2025-04-22 | Renowned conservation ecologist Dr. Stuart L. Pimm explores the habitat restoration of golden lion tamarins at Poço das Antas Biological Reserve in this excerpt from his 2016 lecture at The Leakey Foundation's Survival Symposium. He then offers a contemporary update and adds context recorded just a few days ago!Dr. Stuart L. Pimm is the Doris Duke Chair of Conservation Ecology at Duke University and a globally recognized expert on biodiversity and species conservation. He has authored over 350 scientific papers and founded the nonprofit SavingNature, which works to restore fragmented habitats in biodiversity hotspots around the world. http://www.savingnature.orgThe Leakey Foundation’s 2016 Survival Symposium was presented in partnership with Harvard University’s Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, NOVA, NOVALabs, SMASH, and WGBH.This program is made possible by the generous support of the Wirthlin family.
Adaptation, Biodiversity, and Survival The Leakey Foundation 2025-04-22 | Celebrate Earth Day with The Leakey Foundation! Explore how humans have adapted to an ever-changing climate, the urgent challenges of biodiversity loss and habitat destruction, and how these changes are impacting our fellow primates. Learn why our connection to nature has never been more important.Want more? Watch the full-length talks below.Kevin Uno: Climate Controlyoutube.com/watch?v=SQ4iDkm9-wMStuart Pimm: Biodiversity and Extinctionyoutube.com/watch?v=B5YsVnwYK3AAndrew Bernard: Primates, Climate Change, and Synergistic Effectsyoutube.com/watch?v=suIScGwcjWMAndrea Baden and Stacey Tecot: Lemursyoutube.com/watch?v=suIScGwcjWMDian Fossey: The Mountain Gorillsyoutube.com/watch?v=As90nlEOz7MKelly Stewart: Dian Fossey's Legacyyoutube.com/watch?v=zS3IgFQ6FAcEric Ndayishimiye: Gorilla Group Dynamicsyoutube.com/live/66KleZnZ-os?feature=shared&t=269Stuart Pimm: Survival of the Golden Lion Tamarinyoutu.be/tm84TZUTiiALeakey Foundation Earth Day Playlistyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLy-s5bLMlx0u6DUM7Ii6Uv_K6AwOLglXx&feature=shared
Fathers and Fatherhood: From Molecules to Modern Families The Leakey Foundation 2025-03-06 | How do bonds between fathers and offspring relate to bonds between romantic partners? What aspects of the father-infant attachment are uniquely human? These questions have been the subject of much research from historical, biological, and evolutionary perspectives.We know that committed partnerships contribute to human happiness and well-being and that they also sustain the physical and mental health of its members. These positive effects of social bonds have been documented with regards to the adaptive psychological development of the partners’ offspring as well. Life span developmental research in humans shows a strong association between the relationships of children with their parents and the quality of these children’s marriage when they become adults. Still, despite the undisputable benefits of stable, enduring social relationships, very little is still known about the expression of father-infant bonds in humans and non-human primates. In fact, committed paternal care remains a paradox among mammals, humans included, because father uncertainty due to internal fertilization and female-biased investment in the young through pregnancy and lactation ought to discourage males from investing in putative offspring.This livestreamed symposium is part of the Fathers and Fatherhood: From Molecules to Modern Families Conference taking place at Yale University from March 6-7. Learn more here:yaleanthropolfathersconference.squarespace.comSchedule:9 - 10:30 AM Eastern - Welcome and Panel #1Moderator: Linda Mayes (Director, Child Study Center, Yale)Scientists: Carla Stover, Lauren O'Connell, and Lee Gettler1 -2 PM Eastern - Panel #2Moderator: Rushda MajeedScientists: Natasha Cabrera, Alison Bell, and James K. Rilling3:30 - 4:30 PM Eastern - Panel #3Moderator: Michael FeigelsonScientists: Sarah B. Hrdy, Ruth Feldman, and Eduardo Fernandez-DuqueExtending gratitude to the program sponsors for their generous support. Special thanks to:Yale Department of Anthropologyhttps://anthropology.yale.edu/Council on Latin American & Iberian Studies of the Yale MacMillan Centerhttps://macmillan.yale.edu/latamYale Child Study Center and Yale Franke Program in Science and the Humanitieshttps://frankeprogram.yale.edu/This program is broadcast live as part of an educational collaboration between Yale Anthropology and The Leakey Foundation.
Lunch Break Science Best Moments The Leakey Foundation 2025-02-20 | Enjoy this episode featuring some of the best moments from Lunch Break Science!📊 Shape Lunch Break Science’s Future - Surveyforms.monday.com/forms/3f6bf5a9319568838c206098fd3657e9?r=use1🧬 Support Scienceleakeyfoundation.org/get-involved/donate🎥 Watch full episode here:Chalachew Seyoum: youtube.com/live/Dc1MehzMoMsJenny Tung: youtube.com/live/qVGGi_mqfloIsaiah Nengo: youtube.com/live/dgf1kUJs1cIEduardo Fernandez-Duque: youtube.com/live/Qd3FYw56Ng0Yohannes Haile-Selassie: youtube.com/live/QRFxdfdj-3gDagmawit Getahun: youtube.com/live/mqpszDG6L38Isabelle Clark: youtube.com/live/5j9JGD1bNKUCharles Musiba: youtube.com/live/df7x6x4yJDoZarin Machanda: youtube.com/live/aIuR_x5bgGQLunch Break Science Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy-s5bLMlx0uvjwQ9jZEp4htWlgk3shelThank you to our generous sponsors:The Ann and Gordon Getty FoundationCamilla and George SmithThe Joan and Arnold Travis Education FundViewers like you!
The Taung Child Discovery: Reflections of the Past with Dr. Dipuo Kgotleng The Leakey Foundation 2025-02-07 | In this talk, Dr. Dipuo Kgotleng reflects on the discovery of the Taung Child skull and more!Dr. Dipuo Kgotleng is Director of the Palaeo-Research Institute at the University of Johannesburg, which she helped establish. Dr. Kgotleng has vast experience in South Africa’s heritage policy development and management. When Taung Skull World Heritage Site and Vredefort Dome World Heritage were inscribed into the World Heritage Register in 2005, she was appointed as the first archaeologist for both sites. She was the lead project manager for the establishment of South Africa’s Strategy for the Palaeosciences which is the blueprint for for the management of the discipline in South Africa. She is also a champion for the transformation of the palaeosciences and was one of the first people to call for a transformation charter in archaeology in South Africa. This lecture is part of the Lucy and the Taung Child program and is presented in partnership with the Institute of Human Origins (IHO) and the Palaeontological Scientific Trust (PAST). It is made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund.
The Discovery of the Taung Skull: 100 Years Later with Dr. Mirriam Tawane The Leakey Foundation 2025-02-07 | In this talk, Dr. Mirriam Tawane discusses the discovery of the Taung Child skull and more!Dr. Mirriam Tawane is a core business executive for the National Heritage Council of South Africa. She is a paleoanthropologist who earned her PhD at the University of the Witwatersrand.Dr. Tawane served as curator of Plio-Pleistocene paleontology at the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History. She has been involved in science outreach for the past ten years, participating in projects to teach learners and the general community about their heritage with respect to paleosciences, including Heritage Day celebrations at Taung, where the famous Taung Child was found.This lecture is part of the Lucy and the Taung Child program and is presented in partnership with the Institute of Human Origins (IHO) and the Palaeontological Scientific Trust (PAST). It is made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund.
Richard Wrangham on Why Thanksgiving Makes You Sluggish The Leakey Foundation 2025-02-05 | Subscribe to learn more!leakeyfoundation.org/the-role-of-cooking-in-human-evolution-and-survival
Richard Wrangham Reveals How Cooking a Potato Unlocks More Energy The Leakey Foundation 2025-02-05 | Subscribe to learn more!leakeyfoundation.org/the-role-of-cooking-in-human-evolution-and-survival
Climate Control | Dr. Kevin Uno The Leakey Foundation 2025-01-23 | Humans evolved in the natural world with little to no control over our environment.Over time, humans began to find ways to adapt to varying climates by making clothing and shelter, and, eventually, by controlling fire. This ultimately led to central heating and air conditioning, but at great cost. In this SciCafe, join Kevin Uno, associate professor in the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, for a discussion on the ways in which humanity’s need to control its own environment has led to dire impacts on global climate and where do we go from here. Dr. Kevin Uno is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. He is a paleoecologist whose primary research focuses on the role of climate and environmental change on mammalian and human evolution. He has led or co-authored a series of papers that linked dietary changes in mammals and hominins to late Neogene vegetation change. Since 2013, he has focused on the development and application of molecular biomarker analyses on terrestrial and marine sediments to reconstruct ecosystem structure, hydroclimate, and fire in ancient environments.This SciCafe lecture was presented in partnership by the American Museum of Natural History and The Leakey Foundation.Sponsored by:The Ann and Gordon Getty FoundationCamilla and George SmithThe Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund
Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas | Jennifer Raff The Leakey Foundation 2025-01-23 | How—and when—did people first come to the American continents? As researchers have worked to construct and test new models for the initial peopling of the Americas, they have increasingly incorporated ancient DNA evidence, which reveals a complex story of migrations, isolation, and adaptation.In this talk, geneticist and bestselling author Jennifer Raff examines the strengths and weaknesses of these different models, paying special attention to findings that have emerged within the last two years. We will root our discussion in the context of the history of the discipline of anthropology: its colonial origins, and current challenges, and discuss ways to confront the legacy of harm it has caused Indigenous peoples.This lecture was presented in partnership by the Houston Museum of Natural Science and The Leakey Foundation on October 21, 2024.Sponsored by:The Ann and Gordon Getty FoundationCamilla and George SmithThe Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund
New Study Confirms ~13.0 Million-Year-Old Relative of Gibbons The Leakey Foundation 2025-01-17 | Gibbons are incredibly rare in the fossil record. Join us on Lunch Break Science to explore Kapi ramnagarensis, the earliest known relative of modern gibbons, learn about gibbon evolution, and hear the latest from the field. Watch live to dig deeper and have your questions answered by scientists Alejandra Ortiz and Chris Gilbert!Read Alejandra and Chris's article here:doi.org/10.1016/j.jhevol.2024.103628
Origin Stories: Top Human Origins Discoveries of 2024 (audio-only) The Leakey Foundation 2024-12-31 | 2024 was another amazing year in human origins research. In this episode, three Leakey Foundation grantees (and one podcast host) share their picks for the most exciting discoveries of the year.
Extremes of Human Evolution The Leakey Foundation 2024-12-20 | Join us for a special Lunch Break Science episode exploring extremes of human evolution—surviving harsh environments, creating art deep in caves, uncovering Homo floresiensis (the 'Hobbit'), the smallest known hominin, and evolving our remarkable brains. Watch live to dig deeper and have your questions answered by scientists Ainash Childebayeva, Giulia Gallo, Matt Tocheri, and Dean Falk. This episode of Lunch Break Science is sponsored by Mike Smith.
The Discovery of Lucy with Don Johanson | Audio Only Podcast The Leakey Foundation 2024-11-27 | In this episode, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Lucy, one of the most iconic and important scientific discoveries ever made. Paleoanthropologist Don Johanson tells the story of his early scientific career and the pivotal moment when he discovered 3.2 million-year-old hominin fossils in Ethiopia's Afar region. It's a story that connects us to our deepest roots and shows how one remarkable fossil changed our view of what it means to be human. This episode is generously sponsored by the Leis family in honor of Jorge Leis, who has served on The Leakey Foundation board of trustees since 2017. Jorge and his siblings grew up in a family where curiosity, exploration, learning, and science were the most valued of human endeavors. His family members are proud of Jorge's dedication to helping keep scientific organizations such as The Leakey Foundation relevant and growing. Special thanks to Dianne and Joe Leis, Donna, and Art Leis for sponsoring this tribute to Jorge. Origin Stories is listener-supported. Additional support comes from the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, Jeanne Newman, Camilla Smith, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund. Credits This episode was produced by Ray Pang and Meredith Johnson, sound design by Ray Pang. Our editor is Audrey Quinn. Music by Henry Nagle, Blue Dot Sessions, and Lee Roservere.
Orangutan Anomalies ft. Cheryl Knott The Leakey Foundation 2024-11-22 | Explore the fascinating world of orangutans with Leakey Foundation grantee Cheryl Knott in this episode of Lunch Break Science! Discover how their diet, environment, and energy intake shape their physiology and reproduction. Learn about efforts to conserve these incredible primates and their habitats.
Unraveling Miocene Primate Ecosystems One Leaf at a Time ft. Venanzio Munyaka The Leakey Foundation 2024-10-18 | Discover the secrets of 20-million-year-old botanical fossils from the site of Koru in western Kenya with scientist Venanzio Munyaka! In this episode of Lunch Break Science, we explore what these fossils tell us about the climate, vegetation, and early ape evolution in this diverse Early Miocene ecosystem.
Ape Medicine The Leakey Foundation 2024-10-08 | Are humans the only animals that practice medicine? In this episode, two scientists share surprising observations of orangutans and chimpanzees treating wounds–their own and others'–with plants and insects. These discoveries challenge ideas about uniquely human behaviors and offer insights into animal intelligence, empathy, and the evolutionary roots of medicine. Origin Stories is a project of The Leakey Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and outreach. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn more about our work! Credits Origin Stories is a listener-supported show. Additional support comes from Jeanne Newman, , Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund. Origin Stories is produced by Ray Pang. Our editor is Audrey Quinn. Theme music by Henry Nagle. Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions and Lee Roservere.
Dian Fossey Lecture - The Mountain Gorilla - 1973 The Leakey Foundation 2024-09-24 | In this historic lecture, renowned primatologist Dian Fossey discusses her long-term study of the behavior and ecology of the mountain gorilla in the Virunga Mountains of central Africa. She describes her observations of various aspects of gorilla life, including their feeding habits, nesting behavior, social interactions, and parental care. Fossey also discusses the threats facing the mountain gorilla, such as habitat destruction and poaching, and the conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.Learn more about The Leakey Foundation's work!leakeyfoundation.org/dian-fossey-and-the-mountain-gorillasSpecial thanks to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and Dr. Kelly StewartWant to see the photos up close? Click to see the digital photo album:canva.com/design/DAGRsKFp700/5jA13-AZqCZJkBoY_bfdjw/view?utm_content=DAGRsKFp700&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editorThank you to our generous sponsors:Jo Rainie Rodgers and George RodgersKay Harrigan Woods in honor of Gordon GettyCamilla and George SmithThe Ann and Gordon Getty FoundationThe Joan and Arnold Travis Education FundThe historic footage is from the 1973 Louis Leakey Memorial Symposium held by The Leakey Foundation in collaboration with the California Academy of Sciences on December 2-3, 1973.
Dian Fosseys Legacy | Dr. Kelly Stewart The Leakey Foundation 2024-09-24 | Colleague of Dian Fossey, primatologist Dr. Kelly Stewart explores the pioneering work of Dian Fossey, whose groundbreaking research on the behavior of mountain gorillas and tireless conservation efforts reshaped our understanding of these majestic creatures. Discover how Fossey's dedication not only provided critical insights into gorilla society but also sparked a global movement to protect endangered species, inspiring future generations of conservationists and researchers.Learn more about The Leakey Foundation's work!leakeyfoundation.org/dian-fossey-and-the-mountain-gorillasSpecial thanks to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and Dr. Kelly StewartThank you to our generous sponsors:Jo Rainie Rodgers and George RodgersKay Harrigan Woods in honor of Gordon GettyCamilla and George SmithThe Ann and Gordon Getty FoundationThe Joan and Arnold Travis Education FundThe historic footage is from the 1973 Louis Leakey Memorial Symposium held by The Leakey Foundation in collaboration with the California Academy of Sciences on December 2-3, 1973.
Dian Fosseys Historic 1973 Lecture for World Gorilla Day! The Leakey Foundation 2024-09-20 | Join us for World Gorilla Day as we release Dian Fossey's 1973 lecture from the Louis Leakey Memorial Symposium. Don't miss out—subscribe and turn on notifications!Learn about Leakey Foundation-funded gorilla research and conservation here:bit.ly/WGDFossey1973Special thanks to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and Dr. Kelly Stewartgorillafund.orgThank you to our generous sponsors:Jo Rainie Rodgers and George RodgersKay Harrigan Woods in honor of Gordon GettyCamilla and George SmithThe Ann and Gordon Getty FoundationThe Joan and Arnold Travis Education FundThe historic footage is from the 1973 Louis Leakey Memorial Symposium held by The Leakey Foundation in collaboration with the California Academy of Sciences on December 2-3, 1973.Photo Credits:Photos of Dian Fossey courtesy of Bob Campbell Papers, George A. Smathers Libraries, Univ. of Florida
Mountain Gorilla Group Dynamics ft. Eric Ndayishimiye The Leakey Foundation 2024-09-20 | Join Leakey Foundation grantee Eric Ndayishimiye to learn about mountain gorillas and Eric’s fascinating research with the Dian Fossey Fund’s Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda.
Lucy and the Taung Child: A Century of Science The Leakey Foundation 2024-09-15 | A century ago, a small skull discovered at a South African quarry challenged what we thought we knew about human origins. Fifty years later, the discovery of Lucy in Ethiopia further transformed our understanding of how we became human. Join experts from Ethiopia, South Africa, and North America for a free online event that examines a hundred years of challenges and progress in paleoanthropology. The speakers explore the historical context and lasting significance of the Lucy and Taung Child discoveries. They discuss what these fossils meant at the time and how they impacted the African scientific community. Looking to the future, they address the vital need for funding African scholars and strengthening African scientific collaboration.
The First Story The Leakey Foundation 2024-08-30 | Over 50,000 years ago on what is now the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, someone climbed a towering rock formation and painted a mysterious image on a cave ceiling. The painting shows three half-human, half-animal figures and a large wild pig. The image, dated to 51,200 years old, is now the oldest known visual story in the world. In this episode, archaeologist Adam Brumm shares the story of this incredible discovery. Help make more Origin Stories. We're $3,000 short of our quadruple-match fundraising goal and our deadline is August 31! Please donate today and your gift will be quadruple-matched! Click here to 4x your donation! Origin Stories is a project of The Leakey Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and outreach. Links to learn more: Google Arts and Culture virtual tour of the cave art site Narrative cave art in Indonesia by 51,200 years ago Nature, July 2024 Adam Brumm's website Blog post by Adhi Oktaviana Episode produced by Meredith Johnson and Ray Pang Sound design by Ray Pang Edited by Audrey Quinn Theme music by Henry Nagle. Ending credit music by Lee Roservere. Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions. Hungry for more science? Lunch Break Science is The Leakey Foundation's web series featuring short talks and interviews with Leakey Foundation grantees. Episodes stream on the third Thursday of every month. Click here to watch!
Neanderthal Fire Use: How, Where, and Why? ft. Giulia Gallo The Leakey Foundation 2024-08-16 | Explore Neanderthal fire technology with archaeologist Giulia Gallo. Discover ancient human fire sites, evidence from Neanderthal sites in France, and what burning on animal bones reveals about their practices.
Neanderthal Fire Use on Lunch Break Science! The Leakey Foundation 2024-08-14 | Join archaeologist Giulia Gallo tomorrow and learn about Neanderthal fire use. Watch live to ask Giulia questions!
Chimpanzee Play and Gaze Following with Dr. Kris Sabbi The Leakey Foundation 2024-07-19 | Explore the playful behavior of chimpanzees, follow their gaze to discover what catches their interest, and learn insights into our closest living relatives with primatologist Dr. Kris Sabbi. Tune in live on Lunch Break Science to ask questions and feed your brain with knowledge!
What are these chimps gazing at? #chimpanzee #lunchbreakscience The Leakey Foundation 2024-07-18 | This video was filmed by Dr. Kris Sabbi. Watch Lunch Break Science to find out the answer!
What are these chimpanzees gazing at? The Leakey Foundation 2024-07-18 | Watch Lunch Break Science today to learn about chimpanzee gaze following and discover what this group of chimpanzees is watching!This video was filmed by Dr. Kris Sabbi in Kibale National Park in Uganda.
From Ground to Canopy: Exploring Primate Movement ft. Dr. Lauren Sarringhaus The Leakey Foundation 2024-06-21 | What influences how primates move? How do these behaviors reveal our evolutionary roots? This month on Lunch Break Science, Dr. Lauren Sarringhaus discusses examining the locomotion of chimpanzees and other primates, provides insights into bipedal walking, and shares a new project involving spider monkeys.
Neanderthal Mash-up ft. Dr. Fernando Villanea and Dr. Bence Viola The Leakey Foundation 2024-05-17 | Join Lunch Break Science host Arielle Johnson for an episode mash-up featuring Dr. Fernando Villanea and Dr. Bence Viola, who discuss Neanderthal DNA, myths, and research.
The Story of Human Hair with Tina Lasisi - Audio Only The Leakey Foundation 2024-05-07 | Why do humans have most of our hair on our heads, not our bodies? Why do we have so many varieties of hair color, thickness, and curliness? Dr. Tina Lasisi is a biological anthropologist whose work explores these evolutionary mysteries. In this episode, she shares her research into why humans have scalp hair as well as her insights on why curly hair is uniquely human. Origin Stories is an audio-only podcast.
Apes, Monkeys, and More! Your Questions Answered The Leakey Foundation 2024-04-19 | Explore the fascinating world of primates! Ever wondered why apes groom each other? Why only some monkeys can grasp with their tails? Or why lemurs leap? Expert primatologists will answer your questions about our closest living relatives in this special Earth Day episode of Lunch Break Science
The Discovery of Australopithecus and its Implications | Dr. Raymond Dart The Leakey Foundation 2024-04-03 | In this historic lecture, renowned anthropologist Dr. Raymond Dart recounts his career journey and pivotal discovery of the Australopithecus africanus in 1924. Dart highlights the challenges of convincing the scientific community of the discovery's significance, emphasizes the importance of studying primates, and concludes by discussing a stone artifact potentially linked to early human usage.Click the link below for the transcript and additional reading:docs.google.com/document/d/1SWCgA9rOye5QwiVTCGFTD9dkZeKQkrkIUeqsfHiup6s/edit?usp=sharingWant to see the photos up close? Click to see the digital photo album:canva.com/design/DAF_L47w8Pg/wP9AhNuxG6mlOcrnKPw33w/view?utm_content=DAF_L47w8Pg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editorThank you to our generous sponsors:Jo Rainie Rodgers and George RodgersKay Harrigan Woods in honor of Gordon GettyCamilla and George SmithThe Ann and Gordon Getty FoundationThe Joan and Arnold Travis Education FundThe historic footage is from the 1973 Louis Leakey Memorial Symposium held by The Leakey Foundation in collaboration with the California Academy of Sciences on December 2-3, 1973.
