Low power scanning electron microscope image, showing osteoporotic architecture in the fourth lumbar vertebra of an 89 year old woman (x20). The bone is heavily eroded in places by the action of osteoclasts and consists mainly of thin, fragile struts. (via Bone Research Society)
(via laboratoryequipment)
Bashed Skull Is Earliest Evidence of Human Aggression?
Ancient human found in China got “a real good knock to the head.”
A viciously bashed prehistoric skull from China offers some of the earliest known evidence for violence between humans—but also suggests the ancient aggressors had a caring side.
The discovery is based on CT scans of a 126,000-year-old human known as Maba Man, so named because his fossil remains were found near Maba in Guangdong Province in 1958.
(Related: “Oldest Modern Human Outside of Africa Found.”)
The scans revealed a skull fracture caused by blunt force trauma. The victim was probably clubbed with a weapon such as a stone, heavy bone, or lump of wood, according to a new study.
“This person had a pretty serious injury—it would have been a real good knock to the head,” said team member Lynne Schepartz, of the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa.
The blow likely caused bleeding and a concussion—inducing nausea, vomiting, and perhaps even brain damage—leaving the victim prone and helpless, Schepartz said. (continue reading)
