2022 was another exciting year in human origins research! New fossil discoveries and ancient DNA research expanded our understanding of the past. We learned something surprising about the evolution of human speech, and new methodologies and showed promising potential to improve the future of medicine. In this episode, four Leakey Foundation scientists shared their favorite human evolution discoveries from the past year.

Our guests

• Carol Ward, University of Missouri
• Sofia Samper Carro, Australian National University
• Kevin Hatala, Chatham University
• Megan Henriquez, City University of New York

Links to learn more

• Evolutionary loss of complexity in human vocal anatomy as an adaptation for speech
• When less is more in the evolution of language
• The face of the first European found in Atapuerca
• Europe's oldest fossil named after Pink Floyd
• Meet the first Neanderthal family
• Genetic insights into the social organization of Neanderthals
• Population genetics study of Strongyloides fuelleborni

The Leakey Foundation

Origin Stories is a project of The Leakey Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing human origins research and outreach. Want to support the show? Your donation will be matched by Leakey Foundation President Jeanne Newman who is matching up to $5,000 in gifts from Origin Stories listeners. Every dollar helps! leakeyfoundation.org/originstories23

Sponsors and credits

This episode was generously sponsored by Diana McSherry and Pat Poe. Origin Stories is also sponsored by Jeanne Newman, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, Camilla and George Smith, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund. Thanks as well to the Benevity Community Impact Fund for their support of the show.

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.

Join us for these events

February 8, 6 pm Pacific - Where is the love?: Secrets of Chimpanzee Relationships - click to register

February 16, 11 am Pacific - Lunch Break Science with Tom Plummer - click to watch