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Ancient Humans Adapted to UV Radiation, Warns Modern Threat

4/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Around 40,000 years ago, early humans ingeniously crafted tailored clothing and utilized ochre to shield themselves from heightened UV radiation during the Laschamps excursion, a time when Earth's magnetic field faltered. This remarkable adaptation may have played a crucial role in the survival of Homo sapiens over Neanderthals. Today, researchers caution that a similar magnetic event could severely impact our modern technology.

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Story summary

Around 40,000 years ago, early humans ingeniously crafted tailored clothing and utilized ochre to shield themselves from heightened UV radiation during the Laschamps excursion, a time when Earth's magnetic field faltered. This remarkable adaptation may have played a crucial role in the survival of Homo sapiens over Neanderthals. Today, researchers caution that a similar magnetic event could severely impact our modern technology.