Today’s human brain was born 1.7 million years ago when our ancestors started using more complex tools and were developing language, say Zurich scientists.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/mga
Researchers at the University of Zurich used a digital imaging technique called tomography to analyse the remains of fossilised skulls. The technology has enabled them to determine the development of the modern human brain.
Homo populations first emerged in Africa 2.5 million years ago, but their brains were only half the size of people’s brains today – much closer to those of apes. In addition to size, the structure of early brains, which had smaller frontal regions, was quite different.
“Human brains primarily use regions in the forehead area that are responsible for the planning and execution of complex thought and action patterns, and ultimately also for language”, said anthropologist Marcia Ponce de León.
Getting a true picture of fossil skull remains had proven notoriously difficult in the past. But tomography, which can accurately image sections of material, was essential in putting together the pieces of the jigsaw by examining the imprints of brains left behind on the inside of skulls.
Homo populations with larger brains quickly spread from Africa to Asia, according to an analysis of skulls found in Java, the researchers said.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
This content was published on
A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
This content was published on
The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
This content was published on
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
This content was published on
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Long-necked dinosaur adapted for aquatic life
This content was published on
Experts have been puzzling over the exact role of the Tanystropheus’s elongated neck, which was as long as its body and tail combined. Some theorised that the feature could have given the dinosaur access to tree foliage, much as today’s giraffe. But a team from the University of Zurich says it has proof that the…
This content was published on
Researchers from the Blue Brain Project have unveiled their ‘Cell Atlas’, a 3D, interactive, constantly-evolving simulation of a mouse brain.
This content was published on
Swiss doctors have successfully carried out the world’s first non-invasive brain surgery with use of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Ten adult patients, who were awake during the revolutionary painless procedure, have been treated at University Children’s Hospital Zurich since September 2008 as part of a clinical study. The results were published this week. All interventions…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.