IT’S a shame when the demands of the media overshadow those of science. The closely managed razzmatazz that accompanied the debut of Ida – the fossil “that could change everything” about our ancestry – ensured that everyone was talking about her for a day or two. But it also meant that no one was allowed to see the relevant paper until after the event, so there was little chance to seek disinterested comment on the researchers’ claim (see “What you should know about chiropractic”). By the time doubts about Ida’s role in our past emerged, the circus had moved on.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New ¾«¶«´«Ã½
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Life
New ¾«¶«´«Ã½ recommends a brilliant take on the evolution of birds
Culture
Environment
Striking photos show how sands are encroaching on oases in the Sahara
Regulars
Comment
Think you have a good sense of humour? So do most people…
Regulars
Comment
Sci-fi horror film Backrooms is a triumph for its 20-year-old director
Culture
Popular articles
Trending New ¾«¶«´«Ã½ articles
1
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
2
Millions of fossil whale bones found in deep-ocean ‘necropolis’
3
Understanding anorexia’s grip on the brain could unlock new therapies
4
Mysterious ‘cold blob’ in the Atlantic suggests the AMOC is weakening
5
What is a ‘normal’ memory slowdown, and when should I worry?
6
A nuclear war between India and Pakistan could destroy the ozone layer
7
Hundreds of new moons are revealing our solar system's violent history
8
Dinosaur-killing asteroid impact site stayed hot for millions of years
9
A Waymo nearly hit me, but I'm still optimistic about driverless cars
10
The last-ditch plan to save coral reefs from utter destruction
