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The Rising Star Cave system outside Johannesburg is the world’s richest fossil hominin site, and it’s offering up yet more information about how humans evolved. John Hawks unpacks the latest findings about Homo naledi, a human ancestor whose existence was announced 18 months ago.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and the country’s senate have been locked in a bitter battle of wills that potentially bodes ill for the fight against corruption. Buhari has twice presented the name of acting chief corruption buster Ibrahim Magu for confirmation, but the senate has refused to confirm the appointment. Gbenga Oduntan explains why both parties are digging in their heels.
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“Neo” skull of Homo naledi from the Lesedi Chamber.
John Hawks/Wits University
John Hawks, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Evidence of Homo naledi's age suggests we need to rethink our understanding of human history and evolution.
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Politics + Society
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Gbenga Oduntan, University of Kent
There appears to be no resolution in sight over the impasse between Nigeria's president and the Senate over Muhammadu Buhari's choice of chief crime buster. Who will blink first?
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Arts + Culture
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Melissa Tandiwe Myambo, University of Johannesburg
Maboneng in Johannesburg represents one strand of the type of urban “development” that's advocated for by the proponents of “global cities”.
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Health + Medicine
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Andrew Githeko, Kenya Medical Research Institute
Early detection of dengue fever and access to proper medical care where the symptoms are treated is critical and lifesaving.
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From our international editions
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David Harvey, University of Huddersfield
Avocado demand is driven not just by their supposed health benefits, but by their newness, exclusivity and symbolic, aspirational value to a burgeoning middle class.
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Nicholas Startin, University of Bath
The self-confessed europhile will need to respond to concerns about the EU if he is to succeed as French president.
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Shelby Putt, Indiana University
We can't observe the brain activity of extinct human species. But we can observe modern brains doing the things that our distant ancestors did, looking for clues about how ancient brains worked.
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