Humanities & Society

In August, global robotics competition First Lego League challenged children to design a robot to help archaeologists. The task demands skills in engineering, design and, first and foremost, archaeology. Enter WashU environmental archaeologist Ilaria Patania, who helped dozens of middle school competitors.

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis suggest new explanations for iconic prehistoric sites at Poverty Point in Louisiana.

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis published in Communications Biology presents compelling evidence to support the theory that humans evolved from an African ape-like ancestor, bringing researchers one step closer to identifying the origin of human lineage.

The adzuki bean — a staple crop prominent in various East Asian cuisines — has been cultivated in the region for more than 8,000 years, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and Shandong University in China have discovered.

Archaeologist Natalie Mueller in Arts & Sciences explains how ancient agricultural systems could become a source of alternative crops and methods in an era of rapid climate change.

The path maize took to reach eastern North America has long been debated. A new study in the journal Cell, co-authored by Gayle Fritz in Arts & Sciences, provides clear evidence that maize traveled across the Great Plains from the Southwest.

Archaeological surveys led by scientists at WashU suggest coastal and underwater sites in southern Sicily contain important clues that could reveal how modern human ancestors migrated to the island.

Leslie Paige, a graduate student in Arts & Sciences, is using geospatial tools to map the habitat of a critically endangered primate. She presented her work at the Geo-Resolution conference in St. Louis.

Crickette Sanz, a professor of anthropology at Washington University in St. Louis, was installed as the James W. and Jean L. Davis Professor in Arts and Sciences Sept. 4. Her installation address was titled “Learning From Great Apes About Rank.”

Michael Frachetti, a professor of archaeology in Arts & Sciences at WashU, is the principal investigator of a new project that aims to build a more resilient future in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.