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Brains grew faster as humans evolved, study shows

Modern humans, Neanderthals, and other recent relatives on our human family tree evolved bigger brains much more rapidly than earlier species, a new study of human brain evolution has found.
A digital image of a human brain within the silhouette of a head

National biodiversity award for MammalWeb project

Our MammalWeb project has won a national biodiversity award for its work to gather information on the distribution, abundance, habits and behaviours of UK and European wild mammals.
Otters stare at the camera after being caught on a camera trap

New study shows how social bonds help tool-using monkeys learn new skills

Our researchers have studied wild monkeys problem-solving for food to better understand how social dynamics can influence behaviour and learning. 
Two monkeys examining a food item with their heads close together

International Day of Peace: Exploring the role of cricket in post-civil-war Sri Lanka

Since the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2009, several former international cricketers, politicians and NGOs have made claims that cricket is an important tool for reconciliation. On International Day of Peace, Dr Ben Hildred, from our Department of Anthropology, explains how his research considers the role of cricket in development and peace efforts across the country.
Sri Lankan children playing cricket. A batter has hit the ball.

Medical humanities pioneer to oversee influential bioethics council

Professor Jane Macnaughton from our Institute for Medical Humanities and Department of Anthropology has been chosen as the next Chair of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics Governing Board.
Professor Jane Macnaughton looking directly to camera with a light coloured background

Bigger animals don’t always have the biggest brains relative to body size – new research

Scientists have long believed that big animals will tend to have big brains, but a new study involving Professor Robert Barton, from our Department of Anthropology, has found that may not be the case.
Three brains at different angles

Brain size riddle solved as humans exceed evolution trend

We’ve helped clarify centuries of controversy surrounding brain size evolution - and resolved some puzzling complexities in the relationship between brain size and body mass.
A model of a human brain from three different angles

Alumnus Jeremiah Thoronka makes Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list

Innovator and Founder of Optim Energy, Jeremiah Thoronka has been featured in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list for his success and impact in the Climate Change and Sustainability (Social Impact) sector.
A man smiling for the camera

Sierra Leone’s bushmeat markets pose serious health hazards – we studied two for six months to find solutions

Dr Jack Jenkins and Professor Hannah Brown from our Department of Anthropology look at solutions to the serious health hazards posed by Sierra Leone’s bushmeat markets, and how lessons learned can inform strategies for reducing zoonotic disease risks in similar settings around the world.
A bushmeat trader handles a pangolin in a market in Southern Province, Sierra Leone

Social scientist leads partnership towards net zero

Social anthropologist Professor Simone Abram has been announced as the new Durham University Ørsted Chair of Green Energy Systems and Director of Durham Energy Institute (DEI). She is the first social scientist to lead the DEI.
Photograph of David Bould, Ørsted Head of UK&IE Ventures and Open Innovation, new Ørsted Chair of Green Energy Systems at Durham University, Professor Simone Abram and Benj Sykes, Ørsted Head of Environment, Consents and External Affairs.

Monitoring the UK’s at-risk hedgehogs

We’ve joined a pioneering new three-year pilot to monitor the UK’s hedgehogs and try to reverse the fall in their numbers.
A hedgehog on the grass facing the camera

New spy cameras reveal surprising behaviours of chacma baboons

An ingenious new camera collar has offered researchers from our Anthropology department an unprecedented glimpse into the secret lives of wild baboons in South Africa.
Chacma baboons with collar camera