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Starvation and cannibalism were part of everyday life for a population of Neanderthals living in northern Spain 43,000 years ago, a study suggests. Bones and teeth from the underground cave system of El Sidron in Asturias bear the hallmarks of a tough struggle for survival, researchers say. Analysis of teeth showed signs of starvation or malnutrition in childhood and human bones have cut marks on them. Details appear in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. ...(snip)... "Given the high level of developmental stress in the sample, some level of survival cannibalism would be reasonable," the scientists wrote in...

A new study of side-blotched lizards in California has revealed the genetic underpinnings of altruistic behavior in this common lizard species, providing new insights into the long-standing puzzle of how cooperation and altruism can evolve. The study, led by UCSC researchers, offers the first evidence in vertebrates of an important theoretical concept in evolutionary biology known as "greenbeard" altruism. "This reflects a major breakthrough in our understanding of how cooperative behavior arises from genes," said Barry Sinervo, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology and first author of a paper describing the new findings. The paper will be published in the...

Plants and animals living in warm, tropical climates evolve faster than those living in more temperate zones, a new study suggests. The finding, detailed in Tuesday's issue of the journal for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could help explain why rainforests have such rich biodiversity compared with other parts of the planet. A census of all the plants and animals around the world would reveal that species richness is uneven: It is highest in the tropics, the regions of Earth near the equator, and lower the closer one goes toward the planet's poles.

Schools Minister Jacqui Smith has stated that the Government is against the teaching of creationism and 'intelligent design' in science lessons in British schools. The British Humanist Association (BHA) called on her to justify a parliamentary answer she gave on 17 February, which stated that creationism and 'intelligent design' could be taught in school science lessons (see http://tinyurl.com/zpxn6), Ms Smith has responded by saying that she, 'would like to take this opportunity make clear our position on Creationism and Intelligent Design in the National Curriculum'. In the statement given to the BHA, the minister said that 'Creationism and Intelligent Design...

There is a paradox about the current bout of media atheism. It is producing a great deal of sound and fury, but most ordinary, fair-minded people I talk to find it increasingly lacking credibility. Richard Dawkins has produced two films suggesting that religion, not the love of money, is the root of all evil and he has a new book on the subject out later in the year. Daniel Dennett has been touring the broadcasting studios plugging his book, Breaking the Spell, about the evolutionary origins and purpose of religion, and Lewis Wolpert has just written a book about believing...

Five siblings from Turkey who can only walk on all fours could provide science with an insight into human evolution, researchers have said. The three sisters and two brothers could yield clues to why our ancestors made the transition from four-legged to two-legged animals, says a UK expert. But Professor Nicholas Humphrey rejects the idea that there is a "gene" for bipedalism, or upright walking. A BBC documentary about the family will be shown on Friday 17 March. Professor Humphrey, from the London School of Economics (LSE), says that our own species' transition to walking on two feet must have...

In Full: Tory aims and values Here is the full text of the statement of Conservative aims and values that party members are to be asked to vote on: Our Aims: To improve the quality of life for everyone through: A dynamic economy, where thriving businesses create jobs, wealth and opportunity. A strong society, where our families, our communities and our nation create secure foundations on which people can build their lives. A sustainable environment, where we enhance the beauty of our surroundings and protect the future of the planet. Our Values: The more we trust people, the stronger they...

The burgeoning wild boar population rooting around in Britain's woodlands needs to be culled to halt an impending environmental disaster, scientists said yesterday. Conservationists and wildlife specialists are calling on the Government to designate the ferocious creatures as game, paving the way for boar hunting seasons. Three hundred years after being hunted to extinction, thriving packs of wild boar - known as soundings - have re-established themselves across the country. It is estimated that Britain's wild boar population is already in the high hundreds and growing unabated. Along with the spread of the tusked pigs come increasing fears for the...

Churches urged to back evolution By Paul Rincon BBC News science reporter, St Louis US scientists have called on mainstream religious communities to help them fight policies that undermine the teaching of evolution. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) hit out at the "intelligent design" movement at its annual meeting in Missouri. Teaching the idea threatens scientific literacy among schoolchildren, it said. Its proponents argue life on Earth is too complex to have evolved on its own. As the name suggests, intelligent design is a concept invoking the hand of a designer in nature. It's time to...

The Liberal Democrats put their leadership woes behind them and won a startling by-election victory early today in the constituency where Gordon Brown has his family home. In a personal humiliation for the Chancellor, the Lib Dems overturned an 11,500 Labour majority to capture Dunfermline and West Fife. Their 1,800 majority represented a swing of 16.24 per cent. Willie Rennie celebrates with his wife and party members Willie Rennie celebrates with his wife and party members The Scottish National Party finished third but in David Cameron's first by-election since becoming Tory leader his candidate failed to improve on fourth place....