Ancient lead exposure may have influenced how our brains evolved

New ScientistWednesday, October 15, 2025 at 7:00:12 PM
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Ancient lead exposure may have influenced how our brains evolved
Recent research reveals that lead exposure was not just a modern issue but affected ancient hominids as well. Fossil teeth indicate signs of lead poisoning, suggesting that Homo sapiens may have developed better coping mechanisms compared to their close relatives. This discovery is significant as it sheds light on how environmental factors like lead exposure could have influenced the evolution of our brains, providing a deeper understanding of human development.
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