Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Scientists Study Brazilian Longevity and Ancient Arrow Poison
Scientists are studying why people in Brazil live so long.
They think the mix of different genes from many cultures might help.
They also found the oldest poisoned arrowhead in South Africa, which shows that people there used poison on arrows 60,000 years ago.
Another study found that making facial expressions is more complicated than we thought, with different parts of the brain working together.
Lastly, scientists discovered that the shape of a fish egg helps it grow into a baby fish.
All these studies help us understand more about how people and animals live and grow.
Scientists are studying Brazilian longevity due to its rich genetic diversity from various migrations.
The oldest known poisoned arrowhead, 60,000 years old, was found in South Africa, showing early use of plant-based poison.
Researchers found that multiple brain regions work together to control facial expressions, combining fast and slow signals.
Zebrafish embryos rely on the physical shape and geometry of the egg for proper growth and cell division.
Studies suggest that genetic diversity in Brazil could provide insights into human longevity.
- Who
- Scientists from the University of Sao Paolo, Swedish and South African scientists, researchers from The Rockefeller University and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and scientists from the Institute of Science and Technology in Austria
- What
- Studies on Brazilian longevity, ancient arrow poison, facial expressions, and zebrafish embryo growth
- When
- Studies published between 5 January and 8 January
- Where
- Brazil, South Africa, and Austria
- Why
- To understand human longevity, ancient hunting techniques, brain processes behind facial expressions, and the role of geometry in embryo development
- Study on Brazilian Longevity
- Published in Genomic Psychiatry on 6 January
- Oldest Poisoned Arrowhead
- Found in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Arrowhead Age
- 60,000 years old
- Poison Used
- Gifbol (Boophone disticha)
- Study on Zebrafish Embryos
- Published on 5 January
- Study on Facial Expressions
- Published on 8 January
- Researchers on Facial Expressions
- The Rockefeller University and Hebrew University of Jerusalem
