Ever wondered what our Neanderthal ancestors ate? A recent study analyzing zinc from a Neanderthal tooth from Spain reveals that they were mainly carnivores. This helps us understand why they became extinct, as their diets were too limited across their vast range and were unable to adapt to the constantly changing climate of their environment. H. sapiens however were much more resilient, with an omnivorous diet that allowed them to survive the fluctuations in their environment. So, it seems the secret to our survival lies in a diverse diet! Read full article here
Oddities
Why Do Modern Pop Songs Have So Many Credited Writers?
The music industry has changed dramatically over the last few decades – with the number of songwriters credited on number one hits more than doubling. This is due to a combination of factors, including money, the computer and a changing definition of what songwriting is. For example, if The Beatles’ classic “I Feel Fine” was released today, it would likely have four writers credited instead of two, due to the influence of producers, samples and interpolations. With the rise of lawsuits, artists now preemptively add songwriter credits to their songs, even if the similarities between their song and the source material are coincidental. It all goes to show that the music industry is becoming more complex and competitive. Read full article here
Merv
March 29, 2023
