Archive - John Hawks

Ten years of Homo naledi in my world

I reflect on the experience since the scientific description of the species was published in 2015

Sep 11 •

Will humans start living to 150 soon?

A conversation between world leaders prompts an exploration into the history of human health

Sep 4 •

August 2025

Expanding the “Cradle of Humankind”

Developing a broader idea of the habitats and capacities of early hominins

Aug 30 •

The gene from Denisovan to Neanderthal to modern mucus

A “genetic sandwich” reveals how a block of DNA entered several populations successively and was affected by natural selection.

Aug 23 •

New hominin teeth from Ledi-Geraru, Ethiopia

Reviewing new evidence that suggests a presence of Homo and Australopithecus in the time before 2.5 million years ago.

Aug 19 •

Denisovan HLA and its role in immunity

Today's people have inherited several immune alleles from archaic people. Understanding what difference they made is a continuing challenge.

Aug 11 •

Hominins voyaged to Sulawesi before one million years ago

New report of stone artifacts from Calio place human relatives in Wallacea more broadly and earlier than anyone knew.

Aug 7 •

July 2025

June 2025

A visit to Malapa, ancient site of Australopithecus sediba

A drive into the Greater Cradle Nature Reserve with views of a notable fossil hominin site.

Jun 30 •

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