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Lead Exposure May Have Shaped Human Brain Evolution

10/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A Science Advances study finds that ancient humans and their ancestors were exposed to lead for nearly two million years and that this exposure may have influenced brain evolution and language development.
Researchers analyzed fossilized teeth from various hominins and found lead in 73% of samples.
The modern version of the NOVA1 gene differs from Neanderthals and may have enhanced communication and social cohesion among early Homo sapiens.

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Story summary

A Science Advances study finds that ancient humans and their ancestors were exposed to lead for nearly two million years and that this exposure may have influenced brain evolution and language development.
Researchers analyzed fossilized teeth from various hominins and found lead in 73% of samples.
The modern version of the NOVA1 gene differs from Neanderthals and may have enhanced communication and social cohesion among early Homo sapiens.