IT’S a shame when the demands of the media overshadow those of science. The closely managed razzmatazz that accompanied the debut of Ida – the fossil “that could change everything” about our ancestry – ensured that everyone was talking about her for a day or two. But it also meant that no one was allowed to see the relevant paper until after the event, so there was little chance to seek disinterested comment on the researchers’ claim (see “What you should know about chiropractic”). By the time doubts about Ida’s role in our past emerged, the circus had moved on.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New ÒÁÈ˾þÃ
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New ÒÁÈ˾þà articles
1
Woman with Alzheimer's starts conversing again after taking psilocybin
2
You should turn off fans when it's too hot – but how hot is too hot?
3
Screwworm could be the first species targeted by an 'extinction drive'
4
Possible signs of ancient life on Mars are rich in complex carbon
5
Faecal transplant makes the brains of old mice act young again
6
What’s the secret to living well beyond the average life expectancy?
7
How some people's brains make an extraordinary recovery from stroke
8
How menopause radically changes the brain – and what happens after
9
All known Homo naledi skeletons seem to be female
10
Unapproved gene therapy for boosting longevity is set to go on sale
