A recent study, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution claims that eyebrows that are mobile help people with non-verbal communication, which is one of the traits that make us the most advanced human species to ever exist. In contrast, the Neanderthals' jutting brow was used for displays of dominance and sexual attraction instead, similar to the function of a stag's antlers.
"Sexually dimorphic display and social signaling is a convincing explanation for the jutting brows of our ancestors," said Paul O'Higgins, senior author and professor of Anatomy at the University of York.
"Their conversion to a more vertical brow in modern humans allowed for the display of friendlier emotions, which helped form social bonds between individuals".
Around 100,000 years ago, human groups began to diversify their social networks, which is why it made evolutionary sense to prioritize emotional responses over violent adaptations. Scientists claim that it is around this point in history that human being began to develop smaller and flatter brow ridges, as well as the mobile eyebrows that we still have today.
According to co-author Penny Spikins from the Department of Archaeology at the University of York, "eyebrow movements allow us to express complex emotions as well as perceive the emotions of others."
"A rapid "eyebrow flash" is a cross-cultural sign of recognition and openness to social interaction and pulling our eyebrows up at the middle is an expression of sympathy. Tiny movements of the eyebrows are also a key component to identifying trustworthiness and deception. On the flip side, it has been shown that people who have had botox which limits eyebrow movement are less able to empathize and identify with the emotions of others."
While this study is not a hundred percent conclusive, it does go to show that at some point in history, our ancestors decided to voluntarily self-domesticize in order to get on better with the people around them, which is something that modern humans can learn a lot from!
Forget Apples! It's an Egg a Day That Keeps the Doc Away...
According to new research, it could actually be an egg a day that keeps the doctor away.Find out more here!
Not Only Covid-19: 5 Historically Significant Vaccines
Infectious diseases were a problem long before Covid-19. These are 5 of the most historically important vaccines that made the world safer.
These Man Made Pools Provide Support to Millions of People
The Potash Ponds are not only a striking sight but also an extremely important resource. What's their story? Find out here.
From Body to Brain, Here's How Humans Have Evolved
Humans have been evolving for millions of years. Exactly what changes have our species undergone?
Can Probiotics Improve Mental Health? Research Says YES
Studies repeatedly show that probiotics can be a potentially effective treatment for several mental health issues. This is what is currently known on the topic.
Was There a Time a Day Lasted 10 Hours?
Eons ago, before the dinosaurs ever evolved, there was primordial life on Earth. What did it look like?
17 Incredible Eye Facts You Have To See To Believe
They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and they also happen to be our windows to the world. Here are 17 insanely fascinating facts about eyes.
These Are the Miracles That Happen in Our Bodies Every Day
There is a lot that happens inside our bodies every single day. Did you know any of these facts?
Why is Everyone Obsessed with This Weight-Loss Tool?
Ozempic has been touted as a wonder drug for weight loss in recent months. But what's the real truth behind it?
This South African Plant May be the New Cannabis
Is this plant the new cannabis? What will the woolly umbrella plant do for medicine?
WATCH: This is What Occurs In Our Brain When We're In Love
We all love being in love, and actually crave it and need it, but what actually happens to our brains when we're in love? Watch this TED Talk to find out.
New Study: There is a Sure Way to Slow Aging
This new study confirms what has long been suspected: The less calories we consume, the slower we age.
5 Puzzling Mysteries That Science Finally Managed to Solve
These weird occurrences have puzzled humanity for decades, if not centuries. Finally, scientists solved them & the solutions are exciting...
How It's Made: Merino Wool
Long before we invented moisture-wicking synthetic fibers, this type of wool did it naturally for centuries. Here's how it's produced.
Travel From the Sun to Pluto With Our Interactive Guide!
The solar system is a fascinating place, and we wanted to bring you an interactive journey that you can use to travel through it. Enjoy the journey!
Incredible: First-Ever Complete Map of an Insect's Brain
This incredible project is the first to completely map the brain of an insect, a monumental undertaking even for such a small creature.
How Your Eye Came to Be the Color It Is...
Why do we have different-colored eyes, and what does it mean?
This Secret Invention Changed the Course of WW2
Let’s take a closer look at the proximity fuze, also called Vt Fuze, an invention that changed the course of the second World War.
Scary Stories: 11 of the World's Creepiest Experiments
Truth is stranger than fiction, and this can be said for occurrences in the scientific world too. Here are 11 of the world's creepiest experiments
Sleep Inventions: 16 Gadgets to Help You Doze Off
If you frequently struggle with sleep, then trying these amazing new sleep innovations could help change your life.
Wonder Why Time Speeds Up As You Age? Here's the Answer
We all get the sensation that time moves faster as we get older, but there are scientific reasons for that. Read on to learn about this fascinating phenomenon.
9 Women Inventors Who Have Been Overlooked by History
History has overlooked many great women inventors. Here’s your chance to get to know a few of them.
The Surprisingly Convoluted History of Traffic Lights
What did the first-ever traffic light look like? Probably stranger than you imagine...
10 Real-Life Technologies That Science Fiction Foretold
Sometimes even the wildest science-fiction predictions about the future come true.
Are Underwater Turbines the Answer to Our Energy Question?
One of the most promising technologies in the renewable energy market is the ocean. Learn all about it.
This Humanoid Robot May Join the Workforce Very Soon...
Meet Digit – a bipedal robot that's ready to join human workers at warehouses around the world as early as 2024.
What Metals Do We Mine the Most? This Graph Shows All!
Did you know the world mined 2.8 billion tonnes of metals in 2021? Let’s discover what metals we mined the most.
Scientists Finally Know Why We Love Cute Things
We find some things to be irresistibly cute. But why? Let’s find out.
I Never Knew These Stunning Facts About Our Universe
If you thought you understood the universe, you'll be completely floored by this insane facts.
These Will Give You True Perspective About Our World
Just to give you an idea of how big the Earth really is in true perspective to all the other heavenly bodies up there in the cosmos.
Science Lesson: How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
How laser removal of tattoos actually works. These guys are going to find out and explain it to us.
8 Lies We've Been Told About Electricity
These incorrect facts about electricity have been perpetuated long enough. It's time to disprove them.
Fascinating Science: How Old Can We Actually Get?
All things being equal, and technology continually progressing - How old can a human body really get?
20 Incredible Inventions That We Have Completely Lost
Here are some of the most amazing ideas and inventions we have ever seen. But, sadly, all of them have been lost to science in the mysterious mists of history.
Check Out This Radio-Controlled Lego-Powered Submarine
This is the height of creativity! Check out this insanely cool Lego submarine. It actually works!
Are There Universal Expressions of Emotion? Find Out Here!
Do facial expressions look the same and communicate the same meaning wherever you are in the world? Find out here!
16 Surprising Things I Never Knew About Sleeping!
Who knew there was so much we don't know about our most popular activity! Here are 16 facts you may not have known about your sleep.
Wow! Who Knew That Jupiter Was So Mesmerizing?
Take a look at Jupiter like you've never seen it before!
10 Fascinating Facts About the Subconscious Mind
10 facts about the way the subconscious mind works
These Experiments Remind Us Water Isn't Just For Drinking
This video will make you stop and think for a second the next time you're having a glass of water as you remember the brightly colored experiments that this video shows us you can do with water
INTERACTIVE: How Personal Items Have Changed Over Time
Some of you will be old enough to remember what many of today's objects used to look like. Here are 20 such objects. Click to see them as they used to be.
11 Technologies to Potentially Achieving Immortality
Scientists are hard at work developing technologies that could extend our lifespans and even make us immortal. Here are 11 of them.
The Accidental Discovery of the World’s First Antibiotic
Not too long ago, it was fairly common to die of the simplest of wounds due to bacterial infection. Penicillin changed everything.
The BIGGEST Indoor Ocean in the World - Jaw-Dropping!
Did you know that the US Navy has a football field-sized indoor ocean that can create any wave?
How To Be Sure Your Dog Adores You
10 scientific ways to know if your dog loves you
Scientists Develop Wrap That Determines if Food is Spoiled
Scientists at MIT have developed a biodegradable plastic-like wrap that changes color when food goes bad. Find out more…
WATCH: What Is the Fingerprint of God's Creation?
The golden pattern, describes the mathematical code of the universe. Is this the scientific evidence of God's will and plan?