anthropology

Mar 6, 2024

What Drives ‘Drug-Induced Homicide’ Prosecutions in North Carolina?

A desire to reduce overdose deaths is spurring DIH prosecutions -- but the evidence suggests it may be harming public health. 

Apr 4, 2022

Helping People with Opioid Addiction Get the Treatment They Need

The project provides a wealth of resources aimed at addressing opioid use disorder in the U.S. 

Feb 7, 2022

Study Finds Unexpected Benefits of ‘Drug Checking’ Programs

Public health programs were able to reach people who would otherwise not access services such as HIV testing. 

Sep 1, 2021

One Way Some Drug Prosecutions May Be Hurting Public Health

A new study suggests "drug-induced homicide" laws can exacerbate public health problems. 

Jan 10, 2020

Study: Columbus’ Caribbean ‘Cannibal’ Claims Were Correct

New evidence suggests one of Columbus' tall tales was actually true. 

Sep 12, 2017

Nothing but the Tooth – What Dental Remains From Homo naledi Can Tell Us

What can dental development in Homo naledi fossils tell us about their evolution and the evolution of Homo sapiens? 

Jun 20, 2017

Ancient Skulls Shed Light on Migration in the Roman Empire

Skeletal evidence shows that, hundreds of years after the Roman Republic conquered most of the Mediterranean world, coastal communities in what is now south and central Italy still bear distinct physical differences to one another. 

May 17, 2016

Research Finds Skull Condition Thought Extinct Is Actually Widespread

Some forensic anthropologists thought the skull condition called cribra orbitalia (CO) was a thing of the past – but new research finds that it is fairly common in both North America and South Africa. 

Mar 22, 2016

Forensic Researchers Set Standards for X-Ray Identification of Bodies

Forensic researchers have for the first time established science-based standards for identifying human remains based on X-rays of an individual’s spine, upper leg or the side of the skull. 

Feb 2, 2016

The Archaeology of Prehistoric Climate Change

NC State archaeology researchers are helping us understand how climate change affected prehistoric societies. 

Jan 14, 2016

Forensic Research on Modern Child Abuse Can Shed Light on Past Cultures

NC State forensic experts have published guidance on how research into modern-day forensic analysis of child-abuse victims can be used to shed light on how children of earlier cultures were treated. 

Jan 5, 2016

Start-Up Connects Micro-Entrepreneurs With Tourists

How an interdisciplinary team of researchers is helping small, locally owned businesses connect with tourists to create economic prosperity -- and amazing experiences. 

Sep 28, 2015

Study: Ancestral Background Can Be Determined by Fingerprints

A proof-of-concept study finds that it is possible to identify an individual’s ancestral background based on his or her fingerprint characteristics – a discovery with significant applications for law enforcement and anthropological research. 

Mar 25, 2015

Study Underscores Complexity of Geopolitics in the Age of the Aztec Empire

New archaeological research highlights the complexity of geopolitics in Aztec-era Mesoamerica and illustrates how the relationships among ancient states extended beyond warfare and diplomacy to issues concerning trade and the flow of goods. 

Mar 5, 2015

Study Upends Conventional Wisdom, Finds Significant Facial Variation in Pre-Columbian South America

Researchers have found significant differences in facial features between pre-Columbian peoples in Peru – disproving a longstanding perception that these groups were physically homogenous.