Around 41,000 years ago, Earth’s magnetic field took a dramatic turn during the Laschamps excursion—a temporary reversal of the planet’s magnetic poles. As the magnetic shield protecting the planet weakened to just 10% of its normal strength, the planet was bombarded with higher levels of ultraviolet and cosmic radiation. This spike in radiation likely posed major health risks, including eye damage and reproductive issues. But not all early humans faced the crisis equally.
According to a new study by the University of Michigan, Homo sapiens may have weathered the environmental chaos better than their Neanderthal counterparts thanks to behavioral innovations. Archaeological findings suggest a notable uptick in cave use and the emergence of tailored clothing, as evidenced by bone needles and tools. These would have helped block harmful rays while enabling foraging away from shelter.
Perhaps even more intriguing is the increased use of red and yellow ochre during this period. Often thought of as just early paint, ochre contains iron oxide and was likely used as a mineral-based skin protection—essentially an ancient form of sunscreen. Laboratory tests have shown ochre can block UV radiation, and its widespread appearance in Homo sapien sites hints at a practical application.
The research doesn’t claim a direct cause-and-effect, but it adds a compelling angle to the long-standing question of why Homo sapiens outlived Neanderthals. The findings, published in Science Advances, open the door to new interpretations of how cultural and technological adaptability may have shaped our species’ survival.
