The Latest Breaking News from Ian Towle

Why it might be time to rethink the human family tree

Humanity’s family tree is long and tangled. Scientists sort our ancient relatives into three familiar groups: Homo, Australopithecus and Paranthropus.

The Conversation · Aug 18

‘Toothpick grooves’ in ancient fossil human teeth may not be from toothpicks after all

For decades, small grooves on ancient human teeth were thought to be evidence of deliberate tool use – people cleaning their teeth with sticks or fibres, or easing gum pain with makeshift “toothpicks”. Some researchers even called it the oldest human habit.

The Conversation · Oct 3, 2025

Strange pits on 'hobbit' teeth and other archaic humans could reveal hidden links in our family tree

Small clusters of pits in tooth enamel may be traced back to a single evolutionary lineage millions of years ago.

LiveScience · Jun 12, 2025