Study Finds Neanderthals Operated ‘Fat Factories’ 125,000 Years Ago
Fast facts
- Category: Technology
- Language: EN
- Published: 2026-05-02 16:42 UTC
- Sources: Hacker News
Researchers at Leiden University report evidence that Neanderthals processed large amounts of animal fat at specialized sites, dubbing them “fat factories.” The findings, published in July 2025, are based on lipid residue analysis from stone tools and hearths. The study suggests sophisticated nutritional strategies far earlier than previously thought.
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