In “Evolutionary anthropology: Homo ‘incendius’” (Nature, May 23, 2012),
Richard G. Roberts and Michael I. Bird report,
An analysis of microscopic and spectroscopic features of sediments deposited in a South African cave one million years ago suggests that human ancestors were using fire much earlier than had been thought.
– Nature 485, 586–587 (31 May 2012) doi:10.1038/nature11195)
By the way, now that UD News has trademarked the term “much earlier than had been thought,” we are sending Nature a bill for $18, or – if they prefer – free instant access to the article. 😉
Seriously, see also:
Musical instruments pushed back by about 7,000 years
Neanderthals used red ochre pigment 250,000 years ago
Human evolution: Artists’ workshop from 100,000 years ago
Complex tools discovered from 350,000 years earlier than expected
Stone tools nearly 2 million years old – and Michael Cremo is still wrong?
Is the human race really only 200 thousand years old?
Note: Prometheus, in an ancient Greek legend, stole fire from the gods. He was chained thereafter.
Follow UD News at Twitter!