Story perspectives

Lead Exposure Traced in Hominids for 2 Million Years

10/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

Lead exposure affected hominids for nearly 2 million years, challenging that it is a modern issue.
Researchers analyzed 51 fossilized teeth from various hominid species, with 73% showing signs of lead exposure.
They propose modern humans evolved a NOVA1 gene variant offering protection against lead’s neurotoxic effects.
Some experts question conclusions, arguing the evidence does not definitively link lead exposure to evolutionary success.
The findings were published in Science Advances.

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Story summary

Lead exposure affected hominids for nearly 2 million years, challenging that it is a modern issue.
Researchers analyzed 51 fossilized teeth from various hominid species, with 73% showing signs of lead exposure.
They propose modern humans evolved a NOVA1 gene variant offering protection against lead’s neurotoxic effects.
Some experts question conclusions, arguing the evidence does not definitively link lead exposure to evolutionary success.
The findings were published in Science Advances.