My guest is Dr. Herman Pontzer, Ph.D., a professor of evolutionary anthropology and global health at Duke University, known for his research on human bioenergetics, particularly energy expenditure and the exercise paradox. We discuss his work comparing highly active hunter-gatherer groups to more sedentary cultures, exploring their total energy expenditure and the surprising similarities.We examine the impact of factors such as age, sex, exercise, and pregnancy on daily energy expenditure. We also break down whether diet or… read more about Herman Pontzer: How We Really Burn Calories & Lose Weight »
DURHAM, N.C. -- As erratic weather upends the seasonal rhythms that crops depend on, farmers in the island nation of Madagascar are feeling the effects but struggle to adapt to the new normal.That’s one of the key takeaways of a recent survey of nearly 500 small-scale farmers in the country’s northern Sava region, which produces about two thirds of the world’s vanilla beans.One farmer said she is noticing streams and rivers drying up, making it harder to work the rice paddy that provides the mainstay of her household’s diet… read more about In the Heart of Vanilla Country, Farmers on the Climate Frontlines Struggle to Adapt »
Duke’s newest evolutionary anthropologist, Charles Musiba, grew up in Tanzania, and it is to that verdant East African country he still returns to try to understand who humans are and how we got here. But the newly arrived full professor isn’t solely focused on our past — he also wants to understand how humans adapt to dramatic changes in climate, to help us prepare for our future.“I grew up on the shores of Lake Victoria,” he said. “As a kid, I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, which was actually covered with beautiful… read more about “We Still Don’t Understand Who We Are” »
read more about Herman Pontzer Among Researchers Asking How Ozempic Quiets Food Noise in the Brain »
Emily Sandberg is a graduating senior with majors in Evolutionary Anthropology and Psychology. She has served as a Trinity Ambassador for the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology. Trinity Ambassadors are student volunteers, nominated by their departments, to serve in this unique and important role. We asked a few of the ambassadors from the Class of 2024 to share their favorite memories from Duke. The below interview has been slightly edited for clarity. What was one of the most impactful classes you took… read more about Class of 2024: Emily Sandberg »
Five Duke faculty have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. The NAS elected a total of 120 new members and 24 new international members. The new NAS members from Duke are: John Aldrich, PhD, Pfizer Inc./Edmund T. Pratt Jr. University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Political Science. His scholarship focuses on American politics and elections. David Beratan… read more about Four Trinity Faculty Elected to National Academy of Sciences »
Dr. Laura Lewis (EvAnth Alum) has her research on bonobos and chimps featured in the NY Times! You can find the article here. read more about EvAnth Alum, Dr. Laura Lewis, featured in NY Times »
DURHAM, N.C. -- Decades of research show that experiencing traumatic things as a child -- such as having an alcoholic parent or growing up in a tumultuous home -- puts you at risk for poorer health and survival later in life. But mounting evidence suggests that forging strong social relationships can help mitigate these effects. And not just for people, but for our primate cousins, too. Drawing on 36 years of data, a new study of nearly 200 baboons in southern Kenya finds that adversity early in life can take years off… read more about Adult Friendships Can Triumph Over Childhood Trauma, Even in Baboons »
