Ben Taub

1 week ago | iflscience.com | Ben Taub |Holly Large

These dark regions are caused by a pigment called neuromelanin, which is left behind when dopamine levels rise too high. A key neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, motivation and cognitive function, dopamine also contributes to a range of mental health conditions when its concentration in the brain becomes unbalanced.

2 weeks ago | iflscience.com | Ben Taub |Laura Simmons

An ancient human jawbone dredged from the bottom of the Taiwan Strait has been confirmed as a Denisovan fossil, proving that this enigmatic extinct human species once lived all over Asia. Recovered from a depth of between 60 and 120 meters (197 to 394 feet) in the Penghu Channel, the prehistoric mandible was initially retrieved by fishermen but has now proved instrumental in enabling researchers to piece together the history of one of our closest human relatives.

2 weeks ago | iflscience.com | Ben Taub |Laura Simmons

Humansarchaeologyancient ancestorsBut we don't know which species of ancient human made them. Benjamin TaubBenjamin holds a Master's degree in anthropology from University College London and has worked in the fields of neuroscience research and mental health treatment. Freelance WriterEditedbyLaura SimmonsLaura is an editor and staff writer at IFLScience. She obtained her Master's in Experimental Neuroscience from Imperial College London. Mammoth ivory is much softer than stone.

2 weeks ago | iflscience.com | Ben Taub |Holly Large

The skeletons of a child and an adult were found within the altar. Benjamin TaubBenjamin holds a Master's degree in anthropology from University College London and has worked in the fields of neuroscience research and mental health treatment. Freelance WriterEditedbyHolly LargeHolly is a graduate medical biochemist with an enthusiasm for making science interesting, fun and accessible. Here's how the altar might have looked before its colors faded.

2 weeks ago | iflscience.com | Ben Taub |Holly Large

The 4,500-year-old vessels may have been designed for use in the afterlife. Benjamin TaubBenjamin holds a Master's degree in anthropology from University College London and has worked in the fields of neuroscience research and mental health treatment. Freelance WriterEditedbyHolly LargeHolly is a graduate medical biochemist with an enthusiasm for making science interesting, fun and accessible. The boats were disassembled thousands of years ago, but have now been rebuilt.